#i'll stick with my intended audience.
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on one hand blowing up my instagram accounts (as in, they're still there, but i just deleted the app from all my devices) and sticking solely to tumblr may have been a god awful networking/career choice, but a double-edged sword still has a usable edge. they put some chemicals in the tumblr water that have entirely prevented me from ever running into the kind of chronically incurious weirdos who are deadset on misinterpreting everything i put onto the web, be their misinterpretations benign or egregious
#xyx.txt#i think a lot of it has to do with the tags system. even if i see kind of weird tags#i know they're never made with the intent of addressing me personally#meanwhile the format of instagram has gotten everyone to feel entitled to address me directly and make weird demands and inquiries of me#i need no reminder to go back to instagram unless it's for career-related things#or god forbid twitter#they're great for getting more traction in a general audience but that comes with so very many problems#i don't care if i get 10% of the notes i get on instagram#over there i get people commenting weird shit whenever i draw a no-op transmasc character#i'll stick with my intended audience.
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I know I've said this before but I'm considering dusting off my Patreon and really hustling with it again. It'll take a long time, but if I can build myself and my platform to the point where I can quit my job and focus on art full time (which means working from home), that would be huge for my physical and mental health. And then I'll also achieve my dream of making my art my living, lol
I gotta work out what tiers I want/what stuff I wanna offer and go from there.
#personal#not art#I even have a solid goal of 'this is the income I'll quit my job for'#I just gotta work out a plan and stick to it#also if y'all have any input on what to offer on my patreon hmu lol#i have my own ideas but i value audience input (even if said audience doesn't intend to/can't pledge I still wanna know what's up tbh)
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Disclaimer: This audio is intended for audiences of 18+ only 🔞
If you like my content, please consider giving me a tip
Your secret admirer has finally caught up with you~
A stalker captures you and lovingly tells you about all their fattening desires and plans for you
If you're interested in a commission, find more info here
Transcript under cut
You were just so beautiful. I had to have you.
It's why I watched you on the train home from work everyday, why I figured out the route you take and bit by bit started following you from a distance. I found the building you worked at and ordered you surprise gifts; coffees, chocolates, donuts, treats of increasing size as the size of my want for you increased.
I watched your body begin to change… to plump up on all my distant affections, your body growing so soft it began to drive me mad with desire.
I just couldn't take it anymore, that's why you're here with me now. I couldn't be without you, couldn't quell my unshakeable desire to nourish and grow you. You're just so perfect, I can't help but need more of you. You’re already so nice and chubby… but I’ll make you into what you’re meant to be, my love… Fat.
That's why my treats kept getting bigger before, why I tied you down to this comfortable bed so you don't have to exert yourself anymore, I just want to see you grow plush on indulgence. No worries, no cares, no thoughts... just eat and let yourself fatten, my darling butterball. I'll take the best care of you, better than anyone out there ever could. I know you might resist me at first, dearest, but I came prepared. If you won't open up that gorgeous mouth of yours and eat all this food I’ve lovingly made for you, I'll pinch your nose til you're gasping for air and stick a funnel in so I can make sure you're getting enough calories and then some each day. You’ll come to enjoy it soon enough, eating and growing for me - for us - so your body can be almost as big as my love for you.
God, you are just so beautiful. I have to have you... bigger and bigger.
#hutch posts#hutch audios#.cnc#kidnap fantasy#weight gain#stuffing#funnel feeding#getting fat on purpose#wg fiction#wg story#the fatter the better#queer feedist#queer feedism#wg audio
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♡ on cam / hayakawa aki ♡
♡ kinktober 2022 ♡
pairing: hayakawa aki x fem!reader
word count: 1.7k
content: camgirl reader, soft dom aki, lots of praise, toys, exhibitionism, your boyfriend fucks you in front of all your viewers
this work contains explicit content intended for 18+ individuals. please read the tags and do not interact if you are a minor.
"Look at you — So pretty, baby. Everyone thinks you're so pretty."
"Shit… I think they saw me."
bunnyy34: OMG HIS FACE
demonic_6: so handsome woww
pochit4: holy shit he's hot
pochit4: is that ur boyfriend?????
Aki leans backward, adjusting your laptop on the bed, tilting the camera. He turns his attention back towards you once he's made sure the view is perfect. He presses the glittery pink vibrator to your clit firmer, then leans down. His voice is sultry, barely more than a whisper when he mutters into your ear, "Does it feel good, baby?"
"Yeah, yeah," You mumble, your legs quivering, your whole body tense from the pleasure. Aki grabs your thigh with his free hand to steady you, rubbing in circles with his palm, then gently squeezing the soft flesh.
Between his deep gaze locked on yours, his warm touch, his voice — You're doing so well for me, I love showing you off to everyone like this — the thought in your head that hundreds of people are watching you get off, and the buzz of the vibrator between your legs increasing as he cranks it up a level… It's hard to speak, or hell, even think. The only thing you're able to stammer out is, "Please, please, need you."
"Fuck, I need you too," Aki cups your face; his palm is warm, and you whine when he drags the ridges of the vibrator against your clit. He sounds just as desperate as you, maybe even more so. "You want me to fuck you? In front of all these people?"
Of course you want him to fuck you. This was your idea, after all. You're the one who begged Aki to make an appearance on your camgirl stream, who promised him you were sure it'd bring in loads of donations. He's always willing to help in your livestream endeavors, but he was hesitant about being on them himself. I'm sure they don't wanna see me. They just wanna see you, pretty girl.
kon_1990 tipped $100!
kon_1990: please fuck her already
bunnyy34: she's so fucking cute
dev1lhunter: damn he's lucky
dev1lhunter: bet he gets to stick his dick in her whenever he wants to
Well, Aki has to admit a few things: One, that he assumed wrong, because your chat seems to really get a kick out of seeing the both of you. And two, that he enjoys this way, way more than he thought he would.
Honestly, there's something about playing with you in front of all of these people, seeing the comments they make, and knowing he's the only one who gets to fuck you that has him whipped. He's the only one who gets to touch you, and he damn well knows he can make you feel better than any toy can.
Aki's gonna have you screaming his name for your whole audience, he's sure of it.
"Tell me," Aki commands when you don't answer, his words shaking ever-so slightly. He swallows before he speaks again, "I need you to tell me what you want. Tell me how you want me to fuck you in front of everyone."
"Yeah, 'course I want you to…" You beg through broken gasps, hardly able to speak as Aki doesn't let up with the vibrator against you. You're so sensitive, so wet; you can feel the way your thighs are soaked, how you're dripping out onto the sheets. "Want all of them to see."
Aki's eyes flicker to check the laptop screen for a moment, and when they do, his gaze lingers, a little smirk forming on his face as he reads what your chat is saying. He addresses your chat directly, his voice taking on that familiar, serious tone: "I can fuck her better than good. She's gonna cum on my dick harder than she does on any of her little toys."
ea5yrev3nge tipped $30!
ea5yrev3nge: I'll tip 200 if u show us how good u can fuck her
angelicaura: aye I got here late what's happening
bunnyy34: topknotluvr is gonna get fucked by her bf lol
His hand moves to your chin, where he carefully grabs your face and tilts you towards him, forcing you to look at him. He asks, "Isn't that right?"
You're already lost in the moment, in the pleasure on your clit and the way he's so unexpectedly into this. His gaze is deep enough to drown in, his eyelashes heavy. You babble, "Right, right…"
Aki pulls the vibrator away and finally clicks it off. He tosses it to the side on the bed and reaches for the laptop, adjusting it again. This has to be perfect. He needs everyone to get the most perfect view when he fucks you, when he puts his cock inside you. God, the thought of it alone, of everyone seeing and watching and knowing that you're his — It makes him feel lightheaded, and Aki quickly fumbles to pull down his sweats and his boxers to free his stiffening cock.
He grabs your hip to pull you in closer, and the head of his cock throbs when you feel it nudging your entrance. It's pretty and thick, certainly enough for your viewers to ogle at, and he's already so hard, dribbling sticky precum over the shaft. He wraps his hand around it, giving your audience a bit of a show as his nimble fingers pump his cock, palm swiping over the tip to get it wet. He's been waiting for this just as long as you have, practically aching to be inside you.
demonic_6: omfg
_futurerules: can she even take that
snowball97 tipped $125!
"Spread your legs wider for me, baby," Aki commands breathlessly, and then affirms, right after, "There you go. Good girl. I want everyone to see how you take me."
He settles his hands on your waist, adjusting your hips a bit more before he presses inside. He gasps, breath hitching as he buries his dick in further, muttering something you hardly catch, something like, So tight. Slowly, he fills you, letting your viewers see how you take every inch of his cock. When he's all the way in, his hips flush with yours, he groans, his head falling to your shoulder.
You tangle your fingers in his soft hair as he starts to fuck you. Nice and slow, allowing everyone to watch the way his cock stretches you each time he presses in, the way your cunt grips him every time he pulls out, the shaft glistening with your slick, with how wet you are.
Aki acknowledges it, speaking quietly into your ear, voice strained and trembling, "So wet for me, God..."
"Hah, s-shit," Aki stammers, and his eyes flicker to the laptop screen for another brief moment. He presses his soft lips to your neck, then to the shell of your ear, and finally whispers, "They want me to fuck you harder, sweetheart. You can take it, yeah?"
demonic_6 tipped $75!
demonic_6: fuck her harder
dev1lhunter: im gonna cum already
"Uh-huh, please," You babble, nodding your head feverishly.
"That's my girl."
As soon as the words leave his mouth, Aki is wasting no time fucking you harder, burying his cock in deeper, giving you more. It's so messy and sloppy, your thighs soaked. Your room is filled with the obscene, wet sound made as he fucks you, your quiet moans, and his shaky breaths. You wrap your legs around his back, pulling him in even closer.
You've been so caught up in the moment that you almost forgot how everyone is watching. All your viewers and adoring fans: their eyes are on you as you get fucked by your boyfriend, by Aki. The thought alone makes your heart flutter and your cunt tighten around him.
You mumble his name, desperately, "Aki- Don't stop."
"God, baby," Aki groans, voice bordering on a whine; it's hard for him to speak now, too. "Say it louder. I want all of them to hear you."
bunnyy34: did anyone catch that????
angelicaura: cute
snowball97: oh my god was that his name
So you oblige, chanting his name over and over again, louder and louder — Aki, Aki, Aki — even though your voice has gone weak and hoarse, words fraying at the edges. Aki finds your hand, intertwines his fingers with yours and squeezes tight.
His moans are becoming noisier, more needy, his heart skipping a beat and his cock throbbing every time you say his name; he places hurried, messy kisses to the nape of your neck to shut himself up. You can feel his breath fanning out over your skin, warm every time he gasps for air.
Although he's overwhelmed, Aki focuses his attention on pleasing you; he finds your sweet spot, like he always does, hitting it with every thrust into you, until your eyes threaten to roll into the back of your head and you end up squeezing his hand back even tighter. You're getting close, feeling a knot of tension grow in your core, and your words slur when you beg, "Really close, Aki please. Wanna cum for you-"
"Yeah? Oh, babygirl," Aki falters for a moment, his pace growing ragged, more desperate as he approaches his own high. "I'm close — Gonna cum with you, let everyone hear how pretty you sound when you cum for me."
You fall apart for him then, your legs squirming where they're held over his back. Your cunt pulses, squeezing his cock tighter, and he can't hold back; Aki rides the same high as you, fucking you messily through your orgasm, spilling his cum deep inside, his cock twitching and throbbing from the aftershock.
You're chanting his name over and over, and he's saying your name in unison, under his breath, quiet enough so only you are able to hear. "You did so well, you're okay," He whispers, "Just breathe."
Aki gives you a moment to relax before he pushes himself off of you, brushing his messy hair from his face. He asks, "Want me to turn off the stream now?" And when you nod, he's reaching for your laptop.
ea5yrev3nge tipped $200!
angelicaura tipped $170!
_futurerules tipped $50!
_futurerules: that was so hot
bunnyy34: does anyone know if he's gonna be on her next stream??
kon_1990: I hope so
demonic_6: probably, I think she made it to the front page
You peer up at him, his eyes glinting and earrings shining in the low light of the laptop screen. You ask, "How did it go? Did they like it?"
"Yeah, baby… Wow. So many donations," Aki closes the browser, shutting the laptop, turning back towards you with a little smile on his face. "How about I take you on a shopping spree tomorrow — What do you think?"
#aki hayakawa x reader#aki x reader#aki hayakawa smut#chainsaw man x reader#chainsaw man smut#aki hayakawa
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Rites of the Covenant
Plot A: You're out on an extended scientific mission with Clone Force 99, assessing a planet for possible threats before the Republic moves ahead with plans for colonization. Damaged equipment leaves you and the squad stuck on the planet until replacements arrive.
Plot B: Hunter fulfills an intensely private mission of his own.
Author's Notes:
This is another one-shot story with a hefty word count (10,696). It features subject matter that is not intended for squeamish readers. The latter half of the story is roughly based on personal experience, although for the sake of entertainment, there is some embellishment. Please proceed with caution, and if you like what you read, please feel free to reblog!
Important Notes:
This content is strictly for audiences 18+. The roles in this story assume female readers and Hunter. Concepts introduced include: biting, blood, blood play, dirty talk, F oral (receiving), M & F masturbation, menstrual cycle, pain, PiV, and voyeurism (accidental).
The assignment was a relatively straightforward one – you, one of the Republic's leading scientists in the highly specialized field of bioacoustics, were to head to the planet of Eyyhá to record data and assess the feasibility of possible human colonization. Normally, a squad of regs would have been assigned to you for security detail and general assistance out in the field. However, this time around, you were left with questions when the word came down that a squad of specialist clone troopers – Clone Force 99 – would be accompanying you.
You found out that General Skywalker and Captain Rex were the ones who pitched the idea of giving you this assignment after your assistance helped the 501st locate a deeply hidden Separatist base that previously, no one was able to detect. You received the proper clearance, and the day you first met the squad still sticks out in your mind. Memories of Rex walking you up to the guys, who were casually waiting outside the Marauder for you to arrive... Remembering the looks each one of them gave you, particularly the tall silver-haired one, and the one with the facial tattooing; you assumed him to be the squad leader before he even spoke.
“Men, I'd like to introduce you to Dr. Y/N. She will be accompanying you on this mission to gather critical bioacoustic data that will ultimately lead to a decision as to whether Eyyhá can be colonized. You are to provide round the clock security and assist with any help she needs out in the field.”
The silver-haired one looked at you, an expression of contempt riddled upon his lips. “Just great...our talents being underutilized yet again for a civilian. If anyone needs me, I'll be in my bunk.” He picked up the large rifle at his side and walked into the ship. “Hunter, why are we even doing this?!” he said loudly, before disappearing.
“I'm really sorry about that,” the tattooed one spoke, his voice low and smooth. “That's Crosshair, by the way. Resident sniper, and usually a completely insufferable asshole. I'm Sergeant Hunter. I'm glad to meet you.”
“No offense taken, Sergeant. I've worked with regs before and gotten my share of snide remarks, but his was a bit much,” you reply, a little curtly.
“Please, call me Hunter. Everyone else does,” he said with a genuine smile. “Let me introduce you to the rest of my squad. The behemoth next to me is Wrecker, our demolitions expert. The one with the cybernetics and wearing the kama is Echo, who's new to the squad. The one who can't seem to be pulled away from his datapad for a split second, is Tech. Both Tech and Echo's electronics and engineering skills should be invaluable in the field.”
You smiled at the one called Wrecker, who caught your gaze and returned it with a light wave. “Glad to have you aboard, Y/N! If you need anything blown up, I'm your man!”
Hunter put his face into his hand, shaking lightly. You laughed heartily and winked. “I don't think there will be any real need for explosives on this mission, but you never know!”
Both Echo and Tech looked over at you. Echo smiled and gave you a salute with his scomp-link arm. “Welcome, Y/N. I'm looking forward to assisting you in any way possible.”
Tech looked up from his datapad and nudged his lenses up with a finger, nodding a few times in what you considered to be approval. “I have heard a great deal about you, Dr. Y/N. Your work as a bioacoustician is unparalleled. I read your last published journal...remarkable observations, I must say. I look forward to working with you, as well.” He glanced down at his datapad once more, tapping away at it absentmindedly.
Rex clapped his hands together once. “Excellent! You're in good hands with these men. You'd better be on your way. Intel we received indicates it will be best to land on the day side of the planet and establish a base camp. We know the planet is teeming with life, but the last thing you need are any unwanted surprises in the dark.”
“Then we'll take our leave, Rex. Let me take those cases from you, Y/N,” Hunter offered, picking up both the heavy black cases like they were nothing.
“Good luck, everyone. May the Force be with you,” Rex called as Hunter took your belongings into the Marauder, Echo and Tech entering behind him, with you and Wrecker bringing up the rear.
Wrecker clapped you on the back a little too cordially, causing you to stumble with your overloaded backpack full of personal effects. He caught you just before you fell face first onto the entrance ramp, laughing loudly. “Sorry about that! Guess I don't know my own strength! I'm happy you're joining us. I don't know what bio... Uhh, bioac-- What is it that you do, again?”
You paused a moment, turning around to look at Rex, with his always handsome, stoic face. Raising your arm, you waved to him. He nodded once, then turned and walked off. Turning back, you looked up at Wrecker, feeling supremely tiny next to him. “I'm a bioacoustician, Wrecker. It means I study the sounds of nature, put simply.”
He nodded thoughtfully, and you knew he was trying to figure out exactly what you meant. “Well, I don't know what you'll do with all that, but it sounds kind of boring, if I'm being honest.”
His remark caught you just the right way, making you laugh long and hard. “You're not the first one to say that to me, Wrecker. It's definitely not for everyone...”
His infectious laughter joined yours. “Come on, let's get you a bunk so you can settle in.”
*****
The mission was doomed from the very start. You quickly realized the intel was missing critical information that didn't prepare you or the squad for the horrific storms Eyyhá often has, and not long after you had set up base camp, some of the equipment had been struck by lightning. Cases of precious sensor arrays and receivers were mangled beyond repair, although you had Tech and Echo look at the blackened parts to see if anything was salvageable. They looked at you, and didn't even say anything...they just shrugged and gave you the look that clearly said, “sorry, you're shit out of luck.”
Thankfully you still had a few spares to at least get some work started, but without everything in place, it was rather pointless to start data collection. Your request to the Senate to return to Coruscant was denied after being told that despite how little functional equipment you had left, you needed to begin research immediately; a transport with replacement equipment would be sent as soon as you submitted a request with your needs.
Much to your chagrin, most attempts at field work have been rained out thus far, so you've spent more time hanging out with the guys in the Marauder than you have doing any actual research. They've certainly turned out to be a lot different than the regs you've worked with in the past. Very distinct personalities, senses of humor, personal habits... Hunter and Wrecker warmed up to you very quickly. Wrecker took to you so much, he affectionately started calling you ad'íka, while Echo and Tech took a little longer to come around, and Crosshair... You're still unsure of Crosshair.
Initially, you were afraid that being a woman, the risk of awkwardness or sexual tension would be quite high, especially since you were spending a lot of time in close quarters with them. Quite the opposite, actually...you get along with them very well, tolerating the light flirtation and off-color remarks better than you thought you would. You discovered just the level of respect they had for you the week you went through your period for the first time while on the mission.
You pulled Hunter aside just before you were due to start, and cautiously explained what was about to happen. At the time, you couldn't have known that he already knew, because the changes of your pheromones in the days prior, along with subtle behavioral changes, told him so. He was empathetic, offering to make up a makeshift bunk for you away from the others, if that's what made you feel most comfortable.
He explained that women worked alongside them on other assignments in the past, so he wasn't uncomfortable with the subject. Little did you know that those days leading up to and including you bleeding, would be some of the most arousing and tempting for Hunter. That was four weeks ago...
*****
Early this morning, you wanted to go exploring, extending the invite for the entire squad to join you. It finally stopped raining, and you wonder if this is just a temporary reprieve from what you believe to be Eyyhá's rainy season. Echo declined, offering to stay back at the Marauder, trying to think of ways to modify equipment to help you until the new parts come. The rest of the men were more than happy to come with you, grateful for fresh air and a change of scenery.
Here you are now, sitting in a field of tall prairie grass, swaying gently with the warm summer breeze. There's not much of anything you can do right now except scribble notes in your field journal about meteorologic observations and visible flora and fauna. After finding out replacements may take up to six weeks to arrive because your parts requisition request had been mishandled, you resigned yourself to the fact you might have to chalk up this mission as a failure. Looking up at the clear blue sky, you put your field journal in your backpack and lie back in the grass, hands cradling your head.
Unbidden thoughts of Hunter flit through your mind – some savory, some not so much. You've discovered through casual observation, coupled with confirmation from Tech, that Hunter's genetic enhancements shine through in his senses of hearing, and especially scent; his exceptionally keen tracking skills are merely another perk. A thought races through your mind now, thinking back several weeks to when you had last gone through your cycle – was he able to SMELL all that?
Oh, Maker, I hope not... Then you realize how much time has actually passed, and that you're due for your next cycle within the next day or two. That would explain why you haven't been sleeping well for the past several days, despite the fact you've been feeling quite fatigued.
“Oh...shit...” you say, thinking that no one is within earshot.
“Y/N, what's the matter? Is everything all right?” Hunter asks, emerging over the top of the grass, very close to you.
You let out a startled gasp, then cover your eyes with a hand. “No, Hunter, not really. I need to make use of the spare bunk...I just realized that now,” you say a little sheepishly.
He looks at you with those expressive brown eyes of his, concerned, but caring all at the same time. “No worries, I'll make sure it's fixed up for you.”
“I'm sorry this is so much of a hassle,” you blurt out. “I can't help it, and I'm sure it doesn't make things any easier for any of you. ”
“Hey now, what kind of talk is that?” Hunter replies, coming to sit down next to you. “This isn't a hassle at all. Sure, the rest of us have to make some minor adjustments, but it really is no trouble, I assure you. When I get back to the Marauder, I can set it up for you, okay?”
Out of nowhere, his finger comes to your face, pulling a lock of stray hair back into place. He smiles gently at you, then gets up and starts walking back to the ship. You touch the place on your face where his finger had been, shivering a little. You have no idea what that's about, but the slow heat beginning to build between your legs is trying to tell you otherwise.
The warmth of the sunshine feels quite comforting today, so you close your eyes and exhale deeply. The rest of the guys are somewhere nearby and won't leave without you, so now seems like a perfectly acceptable time to catch a little loth cat nap. Maybe in dreams, Hunter's actions will become more apparent. You already think he's the most attractive of the squad, and you'd be lying to yourself if you said you didn't fantasize about him fucking you hard at least a couple of times, especially the last time you went through your cycle...
*****
Hunter's strong, warm hands slide their way up your legs, parting them when he comes to your knees. Running his hands along your thighs, he lets one of his thumbs rest on the hood of your clit, the other lying on one of your outer lips. Slowly, he begins to retract your hood, exposing the smooth pearl within. The other thumb begins to pull you open, exposing your glistening wet entrance. He moans softly as he traces his thumb through your wetness, smearing some on your clit. Gently, he begins to swirl the flat of his thumb over it, making you moan and arch up into him.
He chuckles as he slowly slips his index finger inside you, marveling at how tight, hot and wet you are. “Someone's needy, isn't she?” he teases. “I think you like it when I've got my fingers buried in your pussy...isn't that right?”
“Y...yes, Hunter...” you moan softly, grinding your hips up against his hand in an attempt to get him to start stroking your insides.
“That's my girl,” he whispers, pushing his middle finger inside you, your deep-seated groan of satisfaction bringing a broad grin to his face. He starts to move his fingers in and out, hooking them upward a little so he can touch that beautiful little sensitive spot that always makes you come so hard for him. “You want to come all over my fingers, mésh'la? Or do you want my cock, instead?”
You don't answer him right away, for the feeling of his fingers touching your sweet spot make you moan out his name. Hunter takes one of your breasts in his hand, squeezing gently, before his thumb swirls over your hardened nipple. He leans down and his tongue flicks over it, sending chills down your spine and a pulse of heat in your core. You contract your walls around his fingers, breath catching in his throat.
His mouth latches onto your nipple, suckling lightly on it, causing involuntary contractions that to Hunter, feel like delicate kisses on his fingers. He moans against you, swirling his tongue madly before his teeth close down on you, pulling gently. Your hand runs through his hair and down the back of his neck, cradling him as he releases you and his ravenous mouth searches for yours.
Hunter takes your lower lip gently between his teeth, pulling just a little before licking at it and letting his tongue slip into your mouth, letting it glide over yours. You moan deeply into his mouth as he gives your insides a few loving strokes before pulling them out. As he breaks the kiss, he looks at his fingers that are coated with your creamy juices. Your eyes meet his and he smiles, tracing his wet fingers over your lips.
“I want to watch you suck my fingers clean, cyar'ika. Do it like you're sucking my cock,” he tells you, his voice dropping into a husky whisper.
You comply, opening your mouth slowly as his fingers slip into your mouth. Your hand closes around his wrist as your tongue swirls around them, tasting the salt and tang of your secretions. Hunter moans softly and reaches down to adjust himself through his sleep shorts; he's almost painfully hard right now and wants nothing more than to sink himself balls deep inside you.
Suckling more firmly on his fingers, you start to mimic the motions of giving him a blowjob, your head moving to and fro with vigor. Hunter smirks as you fight to suppress your gag reflex once his fingers are fully in your mouth. With his open hand, he begins to free himself from his shorts, the elegant curvature of his thick length aching for the sanctuary of your pussy. He pulls his fingers out, then leans down to kiss you deeply, the taste of your juices still there.
“That's my good girl,” he whispers into your ear, making you shiver and moan his name once more. “Open up for me, cyaré, and take my cock...you're such a greedy little slut. Isn't that right?”
Hunter aligns himself with your entrance, slowly gliding the head of his cock through your outer lips to pick up your wetness, then lets it slip effortlessly over your swollen clit. A heated cry escapes you and you close your legs around his waist, pulling him forward and coaxing him to enter you. He plants his hands on either side of your shoulders, breathing heavily in anticipation as he parks himself firmly at your entrance.
“Fuck me, Hunter... I'm your greedy little slut,” you plead.
“That's all I wanted to hear, mésh'la.”
His lips press against yours for a heated kiss, tongue easing into your mouth as he begins to slowly push inside you, moving slowly so you can stretch around him. You let out a lusty moan of unbridled pleasure as he seats himself fully inside you. Instinctively, you flex your walls around him, squeezing his cock with everything you can muster. Hunter's head snaps up as you do this, with a primal growl. He closes his hands around your hips as he withdraws his cock until he's almost out of you, and with no warning, he surges forward –
*****
“Ad'íka? Ad'íka, where are you?” Wrecker yells, looking over the sea of grass, trying to spot you. “We're gonna catch hell from Hunter if we can't find her,” he groans. “Oi, Tech! Help me find Y/N. I know she's here somewhere.”
“Wrecker, please calm down. The likelihood of her going far without at least one of us accompanying her is statistically speaking, quite low. I saw Hunter heading back to the Marauder awhile ago, so I assume he likely spoke to her before doing so. I believe I can make an educated guess as to where she may be,” Tech replied.
Tech begins to move off in the direction where he last spotted Hunter, walking slowly and parting the grass as he goes, careful not to make a misstep – or accidentally step on you. He looks around cautiously, trying to look for telltale signs such as places where grass looks unnaturally flattened. The wind picks up and the skies are beginning to cloud over again, threatening to bring more rain, or worse, another storm.
“Wrecker, pack it in and move to my location. The weather is becoming inclement and we need to make it back to the Marauder with haste,” Tech calls.
He's still looking around and finds a patch of the grass that doesn't look quite like the others. Striding with a little more purpose, he's almost to where you're lying, but since he can't get a good visual of what's just beyond the grass, he stops and looks up at the grove of trees that marks the division between the forested area and the field.
“Crosshair, can you give me visual confirmation that I'm close to Y/N?” Thunder booms in the distance and Tech looks to the tree line.
When you and the squad exited the grove, Crosshair stayed back and got himself up into one of the taller trees, closely keeping an eye on all of you. He sighs and looks out upon the field, seeing Tech and Wrecker waving. Luckily, he's up high enough and can easily see that they're right at the edge of where you are, still blissfully wrapped up in your dream about Hunter. He laughs and then they hear him rasp, “she's down there all right, fast asleep. Watch your step. If I were you, I'd wake her gently...looks like she's having one hell of a dream!”
Wrecker looks at Tech with a quizzical look on his face. “How does he know that?”
“I do not know. Maybe by her body language?” Tech postulates.
“Wrap it up, you two. I'm heading back to the ship. Last place I need to be is up in a tree when it starts storming,” Crosshair warns as he starts making his way back to ground level.
Tech plows through the grass once more, and finally comes to a stop where his suspicion is confirmed. Sweeping the grass aside with one arm, he sees you lying on the ground, head resting on your backpack. You're still asleep, and Tech's eyes go wide when he realizes that you have slipped a hand down your pants and are slowly rubbing your clit.
“Did you find her? Is she okay?” Wrecker says lowly as he stands beside Tech.
“I...I...yes, I found her all right,” Tech mumbles, feeling his face grow hot. This is something new for him, and he's distinctly uncomfortable, feeling like he's somehow violating your consent by seeing you in such a vulnerable state. “She's...well, I...how do I put this,” Tech stammers.
“Tech, what's the matter with you? What's she doing? Crosshair said she was sleeping, so what's got you all jumpy?” He looks down and sees you touching yourself and his eyes get just as big as Tech's, and he clears his throat, trying not to stare and desperately trying to ignore the fact he feels himself starting to grow hard. “Oh, I see, now. She's, uh...she's...” He's embarrassed, not wanting to say the word.
“Yes, that,” Tech replies, not wanting to say it either. “I am not sure how to approach waking her up. But we have no choice. It is going to start raining shortly and I do not wish to get caught out here if it decides to storm.”
“Let me do it, Tech,” Wrecker offers. He kneels down next to you and very carefully places his hand on your arm. “Ad'íka, he says quietly. “Ad'íka, I need you to wake up, honey, please?”
You groan softly and remove your hand from your pants. Tech coughs nervously and also kneels down at your side. “Y/N, it's time to wake up. A storm is coming and we have to get back to the Marauder quickly.”
“Come on, ad'íka, we'll get you out of here. I just need you to wake up first,” Wrecker tries again.
You slowly open your eyes and blink a few times, trying to focus. You have no idea how long you've been out, but you do know that your dream of Hunter fucking you mercilessly is now hopelessly irretrievable. “Tech? Wrecker? What time is it?” you murmur sleepily, rubbing at your eyes.
“Time to go, honey,” Wrecker says, slipping his huge arm under your back, pulling you up into a sitting position gently. “It's getting ready to storm, and this could be a bad one. Come on, let me help you up. Tech, grab her backpack, would you?”
Wrecker helps you get to your feet, and you let out a mighty yawn. “I'm so sorry, guys... That sunshine felt so good, and you know I haven't been sleeping well lately.” You grimace a little as you feel your lower abdomen beginning to seize up a little. You swear under your breath and Tech's eyes narrow as he studies your features.
“Are you quite all right, Y/N? You look like you're in pain.”
“I'll be all right, Tech. Don't worry about it.” You glance up at the sky and black clouds are building in behind you. Glancing at your chrono, you curse again and take your backpack from Tech. “Yeah, we need to get out of here. I can't believe how late it's gotten, and those thunderheads are looking nasty.”
You begin to feel a few raindrops hit your face, and you shoulder your backpack, wincing as pain shoots through your lower abdomen. What you don't see is Tech's look of deep concern as you start back toward the grove, with Wrecker quickly blazing a trail for you and Tech to follow. The three of you end up making it back to the Marauder in record time, sprinting through a deluge as you leave the relative protection of the grove into the clearing where the ship lies.
“What the hell happened?” Hunter calls from the cockpit. “I thought you would have all been back a few hours ago!”
“I'm sorry, Hunter, it's my fault,” you reply. “I ended up falling asleep and it took Tech and Wrecker awhile to find me.”
“Maybe you need to start carrying a homing beacon with you,” Crosshair interjects, coming around the corner as the three of you get inside the ship. “Wouldn't want you getting lost, or anything,” he says, looking at you with that smug expression you wish you could slap off his face. He lets his gaze linger as he looks you over, and you feel like he's boring holes into you.
“What? Why are you looking at me like that?” you fire back at him.
“Oh...no reason,” he says, and then he winks at you before walking into the cockpit to join Hunter.
You look at Tech and Wrecker in disbelief, shaking your head. “What's his problem, anyway?”
“He's always like that, ad'íka. Try not to take it personally,” Wrecker says, frowning.
“I must agree with Wrecker, Y/N. We are used to him always trying to get under our skin. Do not let it get to you.”
Hunter emerges from the cockpit, a little smile on his face as he looks the three of you over. “You all look like drowned womp rats. Go get yourselves cleaned up and then come get something to eat. I managed to trap and kill some kind of larger foraging animal, so we've got some fresh meat, for once. Tech, I might ask you to keep an eye on the radar later. We might be in for a long night with this storm... If it looks like something dangerous is brewing, we'll need to get out of here as fast as possible.”
“Certainly, Hunter. I shall keep you updated.”
“Come on, ad'íka, I'll take your backpack,” Wrecker says quietly, pulling it away from you as he starts walking back to the bunks.
Tech gently touches your shoulder, startling you. “Are you quite all right, Y/N? You do not look well. Would you like assistance returning to your bunk?”
You look up at him, his large, golden brown eyes clearly showing signs of worry. “I'll be honest with you,” you say quietly. “No, I'm not feeling well at all, and yes, I think I'll accept the help, if you don't mind.”
A small smile briefly crosses his face, and he offers his arm to you. You happily accept as more cramping strikes, trying not to audibly groan, but you can't help it. As you get back to the bunks, you can see that Wrecker has carefully put your backpack by your bed. He sees you holding onto Tech's arm and immediately looks concerned.
“Hey, ad'íka, you don't look so good. Is there anything you need?”
“Could you take my backpack to the spare bunk, please? Hunter said it would be ready for me by the time I got back. I'm...not feeling well, Wrecker.”
As you mention the term “spare bunk,” Tech turns to look at you, and then it all makes sense to him. “Ah...now I understand. You are not feeling well because you are...” He hesitates to finish his sentence, and he coughs awkwardly.
“It's all right, Tech. You don't need to say it. I think I'm going to grab a quick shower before coming to join you all for dinner. Thank you for helping me today...both of you. I appreciate it.”
As you let go of Tech's arm, he turns to look at Wrecker. “I think we should leave Y/N alone for awhile, Wrecker. Why don't you go see if Hunter needs any help with dinner preparation? I need to speak with Echo and see if he came up with any workarounds we can use for Y/N's research until the new parts arrive.” As Tech turns to leave, he stops and looks over his shoulder at you, concern still etched across his face. You give him a little smile, then nod. He accepts that as the sign to leave, and heads out.
Wrecker picks up your heavy backpack and walks it back to the small room just off the main sleeping area, separated by a floor to ceiling curtain fashioned from an extra blanket. He pushes aside the curtain and gently puts your backpack on the floor. On the way back, you stop him and put your hand on his upper arm. As terrible as you currently feel, you still feel the need to thank him again.
“Thank you again, Wrecker. Both you and Tech have been very kind. I'll come eat after I'm done in the refresher, okay? Maybe a shower might help me feel better.”
“It's nothing, ad'íka. As far as I'm concerned, you're a member of our little family now. We've got your back.”
You chuckle quietly. “Even Crosshair?” you ask, with a hint of suspicion in your voice.
Wrecker stops to think about that for a moment, and with great amusement gives you an honest response. “Yep, even Crosshair.”
*****
The pain in your pelvic floor is steadily growing more intense. As you strip off all your wet gear, you check your panties to see if you've started bleeding yet, and sure enough, there's a few spots of blood. Sighing in annoyance, you throw them on top of the pile of wet clothing, mentally reminding yourself to ask Tech later if there's any kind of good stain removing solvent on board. You see that Hunter was kind enough to leave a stack of clean towels for you, and you suddenly feel irrationally guilty, but then you can't help but smile when you see Wrecker's beloved Lula tucked in the corner of your bunk.
You pick up a towel and wrap it around yourself, grabbing your bag of toiletries as you peek your head around the curtain, making absolutely sure the bunks are cleared out. You don't particularly want most of the guys seeing you like this, and thankfully the path to the refresher is clear. You step in, and crank the hot water. As you wash your hair, you start feeling marginally better, although you're worried about how the rest of the night is going to play out. You finish the rest of your bathing routine quickly, not wanting to make the guys wait too long to have dinner.
When you get back to your bunk, you only want to be as comfortable as possible for the rest of the night, yet still be presentable. Fishing through your clothes to find the special black panties you have specifically for absorbing blood, you slip those on, along with a clean bra and one of your oversized t-shirts that you use for sleeping in. You catch a glimpse of your reflection in a small mirror as you comb out your hair, and you can clearly see you're not well. Dark circles under your eyes, and paler than usual.
“Could be worse,” you say softly as you dig through one of your bags for a small bottle containing painkillers. Tapping two pills into your palm, you down them with a swig of water from your canteen. You look back at the mirror and sigh. “Could be a hell of a lot worse.”
You make your way to the common area where you know you will find the guys waiting for you. They will not eat unless you're present, which you've told them repeatedly they don't need to do, but they still insist upon it. You remember the last time you went through your cycle, there was one night you were too sick to eat anything, and you had spent the entire night in your bunk. Now you truly feel guilty, because that means they all went hungry that night.
You stop in the doorway and see them sitting around the table, laughing and having an animated conversation. This brings a smile to your face, seeing that they're content and happy, despite being stuck on what has truly been a horrible mission. The others don't notice that Hunter turns to look at you standing there. He knew you were coming; he picked up your scent after you left your bunk, the smell of blood teasing his senses.
As your eyes lock on his, you see his expression change from one of acknowledgment to one of definite interest. His dark eyes began to take on a hooded appearance, and you realize what you see there – it's sheer lust. Then it hits you that he knows you've started bleeding, and a twinge of arousal begins to form in the pit of your chest. Hunter raises an eyebrow at you and a sly grin forms, because you've betrayed that you're more than interested, too.
Conversation stops when the rest of the guys notice that Hunter falls silent, and they turn to follow his gaze. You walk slowly toward them, one hand clutching the material of your shirt between your breasts. Glancing over at them, you can see that Wrecker's mouth is hanging open, a look of surprise on his face. You catch Tech's gaze, and he immediately blushes and looks away. Echo, always the gentleman, looks away immediately. Crosshair's usual stony faced visage is replaced by something resembling a combination of surprise and the same kind of interest you saw in Hunter's eyes.
“I'm sorry, guys, I just need to be as comfortable as I can tonight, so please forgive the way I'm dressed,” you say quietly.
“There's nothing to forgive, Y/N. We understand,” Hunter replies, gesturing for you to come and sit. “Hopefully after you eat a little something, it will help take your mind off your discomfort.” Your eyes widen as he says this, because he didn't see you grimacing earlier...how does he know? “Tech and Wrecker told me you were exhibiting clear signs of being in pain. It's nothing to be ashamed of,” he says reassuringly.
“Please, ad'íka, have something to eat,” Wrecker says as he nudges a plate of roasted something at you. “Take whatever you want.”
You look around at the others and they look at you expectantly. It certainly smells good, whatever it is, and you haven't eaten much other than a measly ration bar early this morning. As you pick slices that have the brownest, crispiest skin, you can hear Echo next to you letting out his breath in a large sigh of relief. You pat his arm gently as you start to eat. Whatever this animal is, it's surprisingly tasty.
“This is really good, you guys. It reminds me of boar-wolf meat.”
Tech turns to you with a look of rapt interest. “When did you get the opportunity to have boar-wolf? They're supposedly endemic only to Endor.”
You swallow a mouthful of food and grin. “I was part of an expedition to the forest moon of Endor. We were tasked with locating any sentient life with the goal of establishing contact, but ultimately we found nothing. Some of the men decided they wanted fresh food instead of the rations, so they went out hunting and managed to bring down a boar-wolf. That was some fine dining, I tell you. The expedition was a total failure, but spit-roasted boar-wolf was the highlight of that entire trip.”
“Fascinating... Y/N, when you feel up to it, I would like to talk with you further about your trip to Endor, if you don't mind. So little is known about the planet itself, let alone the forest moon.”
“I'd be more than happy to share that information with you, Tech. I have all of my findings backed up on one of my datapads.”
You turn to look at Hunter, and his eyes still have that sultry look to them. You pause a moment before speaking again, because you feel the familiar heat of arousal creeping back between your legs. Your face starts to grow hot just looking at him, as juicier bits of your dream come back to flood your mind. Hunter notes that your scent has drastically changed, your pheromones intermingling with the thick smell of rich blood. He's glad he still has his codpiece on, because it's hiding the fact he's hard as steel underneath it.
“Truly, this is outstanding, Hunter...thank you for all of this.” You look around at the others, and do your best to not betray the fact your insides feel like they're being squeezed half to death. “Dig in, everyone. There's no guarantee we'll get an offering like this again while we're here.”
“You heard Y/N, boys! Let's eat!” Wrecker booms enthusiastically.
The rest of dinner is a rather noisy affair, with a great deal of spirited conversation, bad jokes from Wrecker, a few dirty ones from Crosshair, and plenty of raucous laughter. The others don't see that you and Hunter are constantly exchanging glances, looking at each other progressively longer each time your eyes meet. You can feel yourself beginning to bleed a little more, the intoxicating scent of it starting to dominate his keen senses. Hunter's earlier assumption is correct – it's going to be a long night.
*****
As you lie in your bunk, the screaming of the wind and driving rain against the Marauder's hull does nothing to ease your shattered nerves. The spasms in your pelvic floor escalated during the course of dinner, after which you quickly excused yourself to retreat to the privacy and confines of your bed. You've attempted to distract yourself with one of the many books you brought, but nothing can take your mind off your body tearing itself apart.
The painkillers you took did nothing to abate your misery, and the only thing you wish is to be released from this punishment. You cradle Lula in your arms and curl up into the fetal position; it's not long before you feel the tears slowly roll down your face.
“Make it stop,” you whisper. “For the love of the Maker, just let this be over...”
Time loses all meaning as more waves of acute tightness pass through you. Clutching Lula tighter, you start rolling back and forth as the tears flow faster, and you try to cry as quietly as possible. The intermittent roaring of thunder combined with Wrecker's snoring provides adequate cover, but you're afraid that at some point, you're going to wake someone up. You've shown no weakness to these men the entire time you've been with them, and not about to start by admitting you're crying from pain.
Hunter lies awake in his bunk, restless and overstimulated with the scent of you assailing him. Visions of lying with his head buried between your legs, tongue slipping into you to rapaciously lap up blood dominates his every thought. He shifts uncomfortably as he feels himself starting to grow hard again, and his hand drifts down between his legs to start touching himself through his sleep shorts.
In the dim, cool white glow of the bunks' overhead lights, Hunter looks around the room at his brothers. Confident that they're all sound asleep, he sits up, swinging his feet to the floor. Lifting his head a little, he closes his eyes and inhales deeply. Though the room is filled with natural scents of the others, the one that permeates the air the most is yours – the metallic, iron-rich tang of blood commingled with the unmistakable perfume of female pheromones. He groans quietly as his cock swells, hand sliding into his shorts to start stroking himself.
Hunter stops as he picks up the sound of your distress, feeling compelled to go and check on you. Rising slowly, he makes his way from the bunks down the small hallway to where you lie, sobbing quietly. He stops just outside the doorway, hand on the curtain, rooted to the spot as he listens to you, trying to ignore the incredible redolence of blood emanating from your room.
Pulling the curtain aside, he cautiously enters, seeing you sitting up, arms wrapped around your middle and hunched over as pain wracks your body. He sees that you laid a towel down over your bed, now tinged with deep crimson. So this is why she wanted to be sequestered from the rest of us the last time... You look up at him with blurry, red-rimmed eyes and at first you have no idea who it actually is that's come to check on you.
“Y/N, are you all right?” Hunter says quietly, coming closer. You don't answer, but the slow shaking of your head and the heavy trembling speak volumes. “Mésh'la, talk to me. How bad is it?”
You let go of yourself and rest your hands on the edge of your bed before exhaling sharply, pushing yourself up and onto your feet. Your knees wobble as you take a few steps toward Hunter. As you stop, a fresh wave of cramping tears at your midsection; you let out a cry and bare your teeth at him. Locking your eyes on his, your fingers close around the hem of your nightshirt, not caring if he sees you like this. Hunter's eyes go wide, breath catching in his throat as you begin to pull it up.
“You...want to see? Look at this and...f-f-feel my pain,” you choke out.
As you lift your nightshirt up past your waist, his eyes gravitate lower to see that you're wearing nothing underneath, having shed your panties earlier in the night when you knew they would be useless at being able to catch the flow that was to come. Parting your legs just a little, he sees that your inner thighs are covered in blood, a fresh trail quickly coursing its way down your leg onto the floor. He continues to watch transfixed as a large, thick blood clot oozes out from between your legs, followed by another, unable to fathom how you're tolerating this.
Swallowing hard, Hunter stares as you bring a hand down and run your fingers through your outer lips, coating them before bringing them back to your mouth, where you slip them inside to suck them clean. He can see that blood is smeared under your lower lip, and the urge to taste you is overwhelming. Stepping forward, he reaches out and slowly takes you by your upper arms. You don't flinch as his head dips down, mouth hovering just above yours.
“Mésh'la, is it all right if I taste you?” Hunter whispers, his rapid, shallow breathing hot on your face.
You close your eyes and moan softly as his lips trail across your cheek, stopping short of the patch of coagulating blood. “Yes, Hunter...don't be afraid.”
His tongue trails delicately over you, passing over several times until the blood is gone. The concentrated taste of iron combines with the salt from your skin and tears, creating a potent aphrodisiac for his already overtaxed senses. Hunter releases your arms, then slips one of his around your waist, and the other around your shoulders to pull you close.
As you do the same, you feel his lips brush against yours, and you moan deeply into his mouth as he kisses you, his tongue ardently sparring with yours. He breaks the kiss and your eyes meet his. All you can see is a fierce hunger, and you gasp as he takes one of your hands and plants it on his cock, yearning to break out of his shorts. Without thinking, you begin to massage him through the material, feeling him twitch underneath.
“Let me help you,” Hunter says, before gritting his teeth and moaning quietly as you fondle him. “Do you trust me, ad'íka? You can't go on through the night like this.”
“I'm willing to try anything at this point... I just want it to stop,” you whimper.
“You didn't answer me. Do you trust me? I won't do anything unless I'm absolutely sure you're okay with it.”
You hook your free hand around the back of his neck and pull his head down, pressing your lips to his and slipping your tongue into his mouth. Hunter moans deeply against you and bucks his hips into your hand. You squeeze his cock hard, and this time he lets out a loud groan.
“You're here, aren't you? That means I trust you.”
Letting go of him, you turn around and step back to your bed, pulling off the heavily stained towel. Thankfully, there's plenty of towels, so you grab a few more and lay down a thicker barrier. You turn back to him, and see that he's got a thumb hooked in the waistband of his shorts. The head of his cock peeps out above it, slick with pre-cum. Eyes laden with desire bore into yours as he slides off his shorts, the graceful curvature of his thick length just as remarkable as it had been in your dream.
“Take your nightshirt off, mésh'la,” Hunter commands. “You've already shown me that delicious bloody pussy of yours. Now I want to see the rest.”
Heart beating wildly, you obey, pulling your nightshirt off and casting it to the side. You scarcely have time to breathe before Hunter rushes you, hooking an arm around your waist and slipping the other under one of your legs, not caring he's being painted with blood as he lifts you. He sets you down gently on your bed, spreading your legs with hands that feel like they're wreathed in flame. The flat of one thumb trails lightly through your outer lips before it gently flicks over your clit, eliciting a gasp from you.
“I've never seen anything more beautiful,” Hunter murmurs, trailing a fingertip from your bottom lip in a straight line from your chin down to your pubic mound. “...and I have waited so long to do this.” He looks at you with a wanton grin spreading across his face. “But before I do anything, I need to know that you want this. Trusting me is one thing, but wanting me to do this are two different things.”
You press yourself back against your pillows, stretching out a hand that Hunter readily accepts. “I want this, Hunter... You said you could help me. So help me through this...please...” you implore.
He lets go of your hand and leans over you, bringing his head down just above yours. You moan deeply into his mouth as your lips reconnect with his, feeling your clit pulse as his tongue slips across yours. One of his hands closes around a breast, squeezing tenderly as you begin to arch your body up into him in the silent plea to take you. Hunter breaks away and moves his attention to your neck, alternating between light kisses and gentle licking. As he reaches your pulse point, he nips at your flesh, making you cry out in surprise.
“Shhhh, ad'íka, you want to wake everyone up?” Hunter laughs quietly as he moves to position himself between your legs. “Just relax, Y/N, and remember, if it's too much or something hurts, tell me and I'll stop right away.”
You nod and let out a shaky breath as you look down and see how much blood is already on your lower extremities. Hunter looks up at you with fire in his eyes, and you don't look away when he turns to one of your legs, using the flat of his tongue to lick a wide path through the newest trail of blood from your knee all the way up your thigh. Lifting his head, he lets his tongue hang out of his mouth just a little, and you moan when a single drop of fresh blood drips off the tip.
“You taste so fucking good,” Hunter growls. “I want to find out how luscious that pussy is, mésh'la... Are you ready for me?”
“It's all yours, Hunter,” you moan softly.
He slides his arms under your legs, resting his hands on your hips as his face closes in on his quarry. His eyes close as he breathes you in; blood obfuscates nearly everything, but the essence of your fluctuating pheromones is the undercurrent driving him mad. In a flash, his tongue is slipping between your scarlet folds, licking at the fresh trickle of blood slowly seeping out. A large blood clot finds its way into his mouth, and Hunter moans deeply against you, the vibrations sending chills down your spine.
He lifts his head to look at you, and your eyes widen as you see not a man now, but a beast. Blood is on his nose, lips, and chin – macabre tattooing that complements what he already possesses. Hunter turns his attention to your clit, now sticky with drying blood. Out snakes his tongue, swirling over that tiny seat of all your pleasure, cleaning you off and making you moan his name deeply. Closing his lips around it, he suckles gently, letting the tip of his tongue glide along the underside effortlessly.
“Oh, Maker,” you sigh, “don't stop, Hunter...don't you fucking stop...”
He pulls away briefly, looking up at you with a devilish grin. “I have no intentions of doing so, ad'íka. I'm just getting started...” He shifts positions and sits up, bringing one finger to your entrance, which is already leaking once more. “That's what I want to see,” he says, voice dangerously low. “You're so nice and open now...play with your clit for me while you take my fingers.”
Hunter begins to sink his finger inside you slowly, letting you acclimate to him. As you squeeze your walls around him, his brow furrows and he closes his eyes, groaning as his cock flexes.
He starts to glide his finger in and out, watching as it's coated with hot, fresh blood. Watching as you deftly lick your fingertips, he waits for you to slip your hand down between your legs to start rubbing your clit.
“That's my girl,” he croons softly. “Come undone for me...”
He slides his middle finger in, stifling a moan of his own as reflexively, you constrict your walls down around him. Biting your lip, you close your eyes and let your fingers dance over your clit in tight, concentric circles, a low and perpetual moan pouring out of you. Hunter begins to move his fingers in and out gently, watching you closely for any signs of discomfort. Seeing none, he picks up the pace a little, this time hooking his fingertips up to catch your sweet spot.
Your eyes snap open and meet his as you feel that familiar tingle inside you, breath catching in your throat as Hunter's tender stroking draws you closer to the edge. Faster your fingers swirl around your clit, feeling that delicious heat and pulsation build. He grins at you as he slowly trails his free hand down his body until he closes it around his cock, stroking it in time with the rhythm of his fingers. Your walls tighten around him little by little, and he knows you're not far from your climax.
“So close, Hunter...let me come,” you moan lustily.
“Not just yet, mésh'la,” he chuckles, pulling his fingers out of you abruptly, watching a splatter of blood follow them. He holds his hand up for you to see, blood quickly flowing down his palm and onto his wrist. “On your hands and knees, baby. There's no hiding how much you want my cock... So let me show you what I've been waiting to do to you.”
Slowly, you bring your legs down, stiff from being spread apart for so long. As you get on all fours, you purposely tilt your ass up a little bit in a clear sign you're presenting for him. Hunter licks the dried blood from his mouth and shifts until he's up against you, his cock lying between your outer lips. He begins to rock his hips lightly, slipping through your wet cleft, guiding the head of his cock over your clit, relishing at the sound of a deep moan from you.
Hunter plants his bloodied hand on the back of your neck, dragging a wide maroon path down your spine before leaning down and biting into your shoulder, making you curse in both shock and pain. He curls an arm around your waist as you writhe underneath him, still latched onto your shoulder. After what seems like an eternity, he pulls his mouth off you, smirking as he sees the mark he's left behind. As he straightens up, his strong hands fall upon your ass, kneading the flesh gently.
“Now this is a view I could get used to,” Hunter murmurs as he looks down to see blood beginning to drip out of you again. “Such a messy wet cunt, waiting to take my cock...”
You push your ass back against him, and he closes a hand on one of your hips, the other hand on his cock. He slips once more through your hot, slick folds, running the head of his cock over your clit slowly, sighing happily as you moan his name. Finally, he aligns himself flush against your entrance, his other hand closing around your other hip.
“Here we go, mésh'la,” Hunter says quietly. “I want to savor every moment of this.”
He closes his eyes and exhales slowly as he eases his way inside you, relishing at how tight and wet you are for him. You moan deeply at the intrusion, feeling just how thick his cock is, stretching your walls tightly. Bringing a hand down between your legs, you start to stroke your clit again, letting out a sigh of relief as your fingers glide across it, slick with new blood. Hunter takes this as the sign to continue, inching the rest of his cock inside until you gasp as he presses up against your cervix.
“Shhhh, don't worry, baby, I'll be gentle. That's it...work your clit for me. Such a good girl...”
“Fuck me, Hunter...make me come...I need you,” you reply with a heated whisper.
Slowly, he begins to withdraw from you, stopping just before the head of his cock slips out. Looking down, he sees he's fully veiled with blood, thick droplets of it dotting the towels underneath. He runs his tongue over his upper lip and one of his canines, grinning as he threads himself back into you. Your breath comes hard and fast, and you have to stifle a scream as he fills you back up. Fingers swirl over your clit a little faster, and Hunter can feel your pussy fluttering against him; he flexes hard in return and now begins canting his hips into you.
He relaxes the grip on your waist, moving his hands to rest on your ass, his thumbs gently spreading your cheeks apart. You begin to bear down a little as you stroke your clit, relaxing your pelvic floor to accommodate Hunter's meaty girth. Exhaling sharply, you feel his thumb press lightly on your hole – almost curiously – giving pause before he pushes down carefully on it, massaging it as his hips collide with you noisily.
“That's the way, Y/N...” his voice dropping into a husky whisper. “You're doing so well...is this okay?”
“Keep going...I'm all right,” you reassure him. “Don't stop...”
He pulls his cock out just enough for him to wipe blood on his fingers, before pushing back deeply into you, making you gasp and squirm underneath him. Bracing himself with one hand, he leans over you and brings the other to your mouth, running the tips of his fingers over your bottom lip and chin before pushing them into your mouth. You let out a muffled cry, but quickly take to sucking his fingers clean.
“That's it, ad'íka, take my fingers like you are my cock,” Hunter groans.
You contract your walls around him hard as you feel his breath on the back of your neck, then his lips as he kisses your neck and your shoulder, moaning loudly as you give his fingers one last hard suck before he pulls them out. As he straightens once more, his hands return to rest on your ass, and now you feel him withdraw enough to feel the thick, swollen head of his cock spreading your entrance wide.
“Hunter...”
“Breathe, mésh'la...”
A tremendous rush of heat radiates through your pussy as Hunter presses forward and starts to fuck you, this time with no more teasing. His hands move from your ass back to your waist, gripping firmly as each forward surge is replete with a singular purpose. He closes his eyes and lets his head fall back as he bucks his hips up harder into you, smacking against your ass at a progressively accelerated pace.
The moans from you both grow unchecked, not caring that you're getting increasingly loud. You start to throw back against him, Hunter letting out a deep growl and loosening his hands from your hips to let you be in control. You move back and forth effortlessly along his cock, feeling him beginning to swell each time your ass claps back against his body, relishing at the way he massages your sweet spot.
He lets out a low moan as you connect with him again, this time stopping to swirl your hips as he bottoms out within you. You lower yourself onto your bed, guiding your hand back down between your legs. Your clit pulses heavily, screaming at you to bring forth the relief you desperately seek. Once more, you swirl your fingers over the hard little nub of flesh, quickly feeling that magical electricity returning.
Blinded by instinct and utterly blood-drunk, Hunter grasps your hips and retakes control. He fucks you hard and fast, hips slamming into your ass and thighs, spurred on by your cries of ecstasy. His cock drives relentlessly into you, slipping past your sweet spot, magnifying the quivering of your walls around him. Stroking your clit in time with each thrust, every nerve ending is alight as you're nearly at your peak.
“Come for me, Y/N,” Hunter groans deeply. “I know you're so close...”
Your moaning crescendos as Hunter slows his pace down, his cock swelling to its maximum. A heaving cry flies out of you as your orgasm breaks, your walls contracting around him wildly. Hunter can't believe the strength of your pussy as you bear down and start to push his cock out. He pulls out of you fully, agape as a gush of blood drenches his hand. Undeterred, he strokes himself hard a few times and doesn't hold back a roar of pleasure as he spills his seed all over your ass and onto your back.
Trembling from exertion and still coasting the waves of your orgasm, you collapse onto your side. Hunter shifts forward and slips his hands under your legs, moving you onto your back. You hold up your hand, marveling at the velvety crimson rolling down your fingers, down your palm, and back onto your wrist. He looks at you and smiles, both of you still breathing heavily and bathed in sweat. Leaning down over you, he reaches for your hand and brings it to his face, pulling it across his cheek, mouth, and chin to mark himself once more.
“Ad'íka, that was incredible,” Hunter murmurs against your palm. “So much more than I ever thought it would be. I need to ask...do you feel any better?”
Thinking for a moment, you realize you long since forgot your pain, as you now bask in the pleasant warmth spreading through your entire body. “I feel like a million Republic credits, Hunter. That was...beyond intense.”
He chuckles softly. “May I ask you for one more thing, Y/N?” He lets go of your hand and moves down to your thighs, trailing his fingertips down them gently, making you shiver. “Can I have one more taste of you? We probably won't get to do this again while we're here, so I'd like to have something to remember this night.”
You smile and nod, slipping your hand down between your legs to spread your folds apart for him. “Take all you want, Hunter. I know I'll never forget this.”
A little sigh of contentment is heard as he dips back between your legs, tongue licking every last bit of flesh, sucking on your outer lips to clean them off. Gently, he licks your still-sensitive clit, making your legs twitch involuntarily. You can't help but moan softly as his tongue probes at your entrance, before slipping in and gathering what he can. As he pulls away, he slips two fingers inside you to glaze them, then draws parallel lines on each of your cheeks and down your chin.
His lips seek out yours and you meet him halfway for a deep, passionate kiss, moaning into his mouth as he lets you have the remainder of the blood he took from you. Hunter pulls away from you and moves your hair out of your face, his dark eyes now full of tender care. He smiles and shifts you over so he can lie next to you, his hand resting on your chest, head next to yours. Putting your hand over his, you close your eyes and exhale deeply.
“Y/N,” Hunter begins, “there's something you should know.” You turn your head to look at him with a quizzical expression. “It's no secret that blood consumption is practiced by many cultures throughout the galaxy. But there's one thing that's considered universally sacred, and that's getting to taste the precious lifeblood from a woman during her cycle. Something to do with honoring women as the ones who bring forth life, and the bonds of family, I guess. Unlike my brothers, I've never gotten to go through the ritual...until now. For that, I'll always be grateful to you.”
“Hunter, you don't need to...”
“There's more, ad'íka. Since you have given me the intimate honor of being the one to have you during your time, I want to offer you something, if you would accept it.”
“What would that be?”
“A place here with us... I heard what Wrecker said to you earlier today, about being part of the family. My brothers and I pledged to take care of each other in all circumstances, and I want to extend that covenant to you. What do you say?”
You shift onto your side, reaching to touch his face, your thumb gently caressing the corner of his mouth. His eyes search yours hopefully as he slings his arm around you and pulls you against his chest. “I think I'm going to the be most well-protected scientist in the Republic,” you tell him softly. “Yes, Hunter, I accept... I know you don't offer this to me lightly. I need to thank you for everything...you and the others have made this entire ordeal so much easier to bear.”
Hunter's mouth joins with yours in a surprisingly soft, delicate kiss. You chuckle quietly and curl your arm around his waist as you return the favor, slipping your tongue into his mouth and letting it tussle with his. As he presses his forehead to yours, cradling your head gently in his hand, he whispers, “No, cyar'íka...thank you. Welcome to our family.”
“What are you going to tell the others? Are they going to be okay with this? I'm not concerned about Wrecker, obviously, but –”
“Shhhhh, Y/N, there's no need to worry about anything. They'll understand why. Hell, they've been waiting long enough for me to even do this. There won't be any waiting to tell them, either.”
“What do you mean?” you ask, sounding slightly alarmed.
Hunter starts laughing, covering his face with his hands. “We woke everyone up, cyar'íka. They heard everything. There's no point in hiding what we've done.” Your face grows hot with embarrassment as he sits up and moves to the edge of the bed, looking down at you. “I think you and I both need a trip to the refresher...we look like we came from a slaughterhouse. Get up, and I'll lay more clean towels down.”
You rise slowly and look back at the mess you two made, and then you look at Hunter, who looks like something out of a horror film. You catch a glimpse of yourself in the mirror, and you see the tattooing on your face that he gave you – grisly marks of initiation. Dried blood coats your inner thighs, but it looks like the worst of the bleeding is over. Glancing back at Hunter, he's gathered up all the soiled towels, along with his sleep shorts.
“Come on, Y/N, let's get cleaned up.” You look at your nightshirt that's crumpled up on the floor and move to go put it back on. “Leave it,” Hunter remarks as he peeks out of the doorway and down the short hallway. “If we're lucky, we can make it to the refresher before anyone spots us. If not, then...”
“Then someone's getting an eyeful,” you chuckle dryly. “It's not exactly the end of the world if the others see me naked. I guess in time, it's bound to happen, anyway.”
Hunter steps out into the dimly lit hall with you close behind him. Quietly, you approach the junction leading to the refresher, catching a shadow of someone coming toward you. Crosshair stops and leans up against the wall, arms crossed with a distinctly irked expression on his lean face.
“Pfffft....couldn't even be bothered to put your damn clothes back on, could you? Nice job waking us up!” he gripes. “You were going at it like two banthas on glitterstim and I didn't think it was possible, but you even managed to wake up Wrecker!”
“Crosshair, shut the fuck up and keep your voice down,” Hunter snarls. “Cyar'íka, with me. It's all right.”
“Cyar'íka? Hunter, what are you talking about?”
You gather your courage and step out from behind Hunter, his hand closing on your shoulder protectively. Crosshair gets a good look at you and Hunter now, eyes wide, his sleep-addled mind not entirely comprehending what he's seeing. His face grows hot as he stares at you first, dried blood caked on much of your body, your hair disheveled. Seeing all the blood smeared on Hunter's face, he covers his mouth with his hand and starts laughing quietly.
“What's so goddamn funny, you smug prick?” you snap angrily.
“Y/N, don't. I think I know what this is about. There's no need to get upset,” Hunter says, squeezing your shoulder gently.
Crosshair composes himself and coughs before looking at Hunter with soft amusement. “So, you finally went through with it, Hunter. Congratulations... We took bets ages ago as to how long it would take you to get the job done...if I'm not mistaken, I believe Tech has now earned himself quite a few credits. Jokes aside, I can see you took things to a far higher level than the rest of us ever did, but for what it's worth, ner vod, I'm proud of you, truly. I have to ask, though...what's with calling Y/N cyar'íka? I'm missing something, here.”
Hunter's hand leaves your shoulder, trailing down your spine before his arm comes around your waist loosely, holding you close to him. “She gave me something incredibly sacred, and in return I offered her something just as sacrosanct – a place in this family. You know what that means, Crosshair, and you know I didn't offer this lightly.”
Crosshair turns to you, this time his expression changing from amusement to one of solemnity. You could swear he almost looks guilty, as if he's feeling remorse for being rude to you on numerous occasions. “If he's offered that to you, Y/N, then...” He trails off, looking down at the floor, resting a hand on the back of his head.
“Then what?” you ask gently.
He looks back at you and exhales sharply. “Then I accept you too...ad'íka. Is it too late to apologize for not being exactly kind to you? For that, I was wrong. Forgive me.”
“No, Crosshair, it isn't too late. And...thank you. It's an honor to be welcomed into this family...an honor that will never be forgotten.”
“Good. Now do us all a favor and get your asses in the refresher. You reek of blood and sex, and frankly, it's a little insulting,” Crosshair laughs just as Hunter steps forward and shoves the blood stained towels into his arms.
“Just for that, you go ask Tech for that special enzymatic cleaner he has,” Hunter growls, taking your hand gently in his, turning in the direction of the refresher.
You wait until you're out of Crosshair's earshot before finding your voice. “Is it always going to be like that with him?” you ask curiously.
Hunter sighs as he opens the door to the refresher, then laughs quietly. “I'm afraid so. I did enjoy seeing you rip into him, however. He needs to learn a little humility, anyway.” As the door closes behind you, Hunter cranks on the shower. He turns toward you with a seductive grin, beckoning for you to join him. “Let me test a theory, mésh'la, that it's going be just as much fun getting you clean as it was getting you absolutely filthy.”
As you step under the blissfully hot water, Hunter's arms close around you, one hand wandering down to squeeze your ass as his lips touch yours for a particularly deep, sensuous kiss. You feel his cock stirring to life once more, twitching against your stomach.
Welcome to the family, indeed...
*****
"The blood of the covenant is thicker than the water of the womb."
#star wars#the bad batch#clone force 99#the bad batch smut#tbb hunter#tbb crosshair#tbb tech#tbb wrecker#tbb echo#captain rex#general skywalker#cw blood#period sex
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How to Outline a Novel
Hi there, Darlings! I'm excited to dive into the fascinating world of outlining a novel with you today. Don't worry, we won't be here as long as you might think. So, let's get started and have some fun!
Note: this is a longish post and relies on my preferences and experience.
When it comes to outlining your story, you may hear some people insist that the more detail, the better. However, let's be real, we don't want to get bogged down with trivial details like how the trash is being disposed of in our fantasy world, right?
No way, we're all too busy to devote that much time and energy to it! Personally, I have two versions of an outline that I like to use. The first is a basic outline, which works well for stories set in a world similar to our own, or stories that draw from existing myths or legends like Supernatural, Paranormal or Greek Mythology.
The second outline is a bit more detailed, but don't worry, it's not as complicated as some people make it out to be. Since creating a unique Fantasy or Sci-Fi world requires a bit more thought, this outline helps you add in those extra details without overwhelming you. To use it, you'll start with the basic outline, and then add some additional information to create the more detailed version.
In this blog post, I'll be sharing some insights into why certain elements are essential in your outline (for those who love to write but don't know all the 'why's' when it comes to certain things), and how they can make a huge impact on both your writing process and the readers who pick up your book. And don't worry, I've got you covered at the end with a summarized version of each outline - minus all the extra details - so you can simply copy and paste it for your own use.
Without further ado, let's dive in and start with the basics of outlining your novel!
I hope you've got a tiny inkling of what your story might be about - whether it's a character with a vague purpose, an antagonist with an unclear hero, or even just a cool world with no plot in mind yet. Whatever it may be, it's totally okay to start with just a little dot of information. The important thing is that you've got something to work with!
Book Information.
Starting a novel can be a daunting task, but having the right information can make a world of difference. Let's go over the three key aspects you should consider before diving in: Genre, Trope, and Target Audience.
First up is Genre, which is the category or type of book your story fits into. Once you've picked your genre, you can explore the different tropes that are commonly used within it. A trope is a recurring literary device or theme that helps readers understand the story and its themes.
By combining your chosen genre and tropes, you can begin to define your Target Audience. This is the group of readers who are most likely to enjoy your story based on its genre and themes. It's important to remember that you don't have to stick to just one genre or trope, and that exploring multiple options can help you find the perfect combination for your story.
Genre:
Choosing the right genre for a book is super important because it gives readers a sense of what to expect in terms of plot, themes, tone, and style. Think of genres as categories that books fall into based on their subject matter, writing style, and intended audience. For instance, a mystery novel is all about solving a crime or puzzle, while a romance novel is all about lovey-dovey relationships.
Knowing a book's genre can be helpful for readers who are searching for stories that interest them. Plus, it can help publishers and booksellers market and sell books to the right audience. For writers, it's helpful to stick within the conventions of a genre while still adding their own unique perspective.
All in all, genres make life easier for everyone involved in the book world, from writers to readers to publishers. They help us understand the style and content of a book and make communication and engagement between authors and audiences so much smoother!
With so many genres to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide which one is right for your story. But don't worry, I'm here to help! Let me give you a quick rundown of some of the most popular genres out there and how they can shape your story:
Romance
Plot: Focuses on the development of a romantic relationship between two characters.
Theme: Love, passion, and relationships.
Tone: Emotionally charged, often with elements of humor or drama.
Style: Emphasizes character development and emotional depth.
Mystery
Plot: Involves a crime or puzzle that needs to be solved.
Theme: Crime, justice, and the human psyche.
Tone: Suspenseful and atmospheric, often with a dark or gritty tone.
Style: Tightly plotted, with clues and red herrings that keep readers guessing.
Science Fiction
Plot: Often involves futuristic or speculative elements, such as space travel, aliens, or advanced technology.
Theme: Exploration, innovation, and the impact of technology on society.
Tone: Can be serious or lighthearted, depending on the focus of the story.
Style: Imaginative and creative, with an emphasis on world-building and scientific accuracy.
Fantasy
Plot: Often involves a magical or supernatural world, with mythical creatures and/or magical powers.
Theme: Good versus evil, heroism, and the power of imagination.
Tone: Can be dark or lighthearted, depending on the focus of the story.
Style: Richly detailed and descriptive, with an emphasis on world-building and creating a sense of wonder.
Historical Fiction
Plot: Set in a specific time period in history, often with real historical figures and events.
Theme: The human experience and the impact of history on individuals and society.
Tone: Often serious and thought-provoking, with an emphasis on authenticity.
Style: Meticulously researched and detailed, with an emphasis on historical accuracy and atmosphere.
Thriller
Plot: Typically involves high stakes, danger, and tension, with a focus on action and suspense.
Theme: Danger, survival, and morality.
Tone: Tense and exciting, with a sense of urgency and danger.
Style: Fast-paced and plot-driven, with a focus on action and suspense.
Horror
Plot: Focuses on creating a sense of fear, dread, or terror in the reader.
Theme: Fear, darkness, and the unknown.
Tone: Dark and ominous, with elements of terror and suspense.
Style: Often graphic and unsettling, with a focus on atmospheric setting and vivid descriptions of gore or violence.
Young Adult (YA)
Plot: Typically features teenage protagonists dealing with coming-of-age issues, such as identity, relationships, and personal growth.
Theme: Identity, belonging, and the transition to adulthood.
Tone: Often earnest and emotional, with a focus on relatable characters and experiences.
Style: Accessible and engaging, with a focus on character development and relatable themes.
Literary Fiction
Plot: Emphasizes character development and exploration of ideas, often without a clear plot-driven structure.
Theme: Human experience, social issues, and the complexities of life.
Tone: Serious and contemplative, with an emphasis on emotional depth and complexity.
Style: Often stylistically experimental or unconventional, with a focus on character psychology and introspection.
Comedy
Plot: Emphasizes humor and satire, often with a focus on exaggerated characters and situations.
Theme: Laughter, joy, and the absurdity of life.
Tone: Light and comedic, with an emphasis on humor and wit.
Style: Often fast-paced and filled with witty banter and humorous observations.
Western
Plot: Set in the American West during the 19th century, often with a focus on cowboys, outlaws, and frontier life.
Theme: Courage, survival, and rugged individualism.
Tone: Rustic and tough, with an emphasis on adventure and action.
Style: Often descriptive and atmospheric, with a focus on the unique landscape and culture of the American West.
Dystopian
Plot: Set in a society or world that has become dark, oppressive, or dysfunctional, often as a result of a catastrophic event.
Theme: Freedom, rebellion, and the dangers of totalitarianism.
Tone: Bleak and pessimistic, with an emphasis on the dangers of conformity and control.
Style: Often atmospheric and descriptive, with a focus on world-building and the exploration of dystopian themes.
Sub-Genre:
As a writer, you've probably heard of sub-genres before. They're like categories or subcategories within a broader genre, based on specific themes, settings, plot elements, or writing style. These sub-genres help to further define and categorize works of literature within a broader genre, making it easier for readers to find books that align with their interests.
For example, in the broad genre of science fiction, there are many different sub-genres like cyberpunk, space opera, hard science fiction, and more. Each sub-genre has its own unique characteristics and themes that differentiate it from other types of science fiction. Likewise, in the genre of mystery, there are sub-genres like cozy mysteries, police procedurals, and psychological thrillers, each with its distinct elements and themes.
Romance
Historical romance: These stories are set in the past and often explore themes of social norms and historical events. They can be sweeping epics or more intimate love stories, and the writing style can be more formal or descriptive.
Contemporary romance: Set in the present day, these stories often explore modern relationships, dating, and career aspirations. They can be light and funny or emotional and dramatic, with a more conversational and informal writing style.
Paranormal romance: These stories feature supernatural elements like vampires, werewolves, and witches. They can explore forbidden love, good versus evil, and the challenges of having supernatural abilities. The tone can be dark and moody or romantic and sexy, and the writing style often includes descriptive world-building.
Romantic suspense: Combining romance and suspense, these stories often involve a heroine in danger who is protected by a hero. They can be fast-paced and action-packed, with a tense and dramatic tone and a plot-driven writing style.
Inspirational romance: These stories often explore themes of faith, redemption, and personal growth. They can involve characters overcoming obstacles and finding hope in their beliefs, with an uplifting and hopeful tone and a focus on character development and inner dialogue.
Erotic romance: These stories feature explicit sexual content and explore themes of passion and desire. They can involve characters exploring their sexuality and forming intense emotional connections, with a sensual and steamy tone and a descriptive and graphic writing style.
LGBTQ+ romance: These stories feature same-sex or non-binary relationships and explore themes of identity, acceptance, and overcoming societal norms. They can be heartfelt and emotional, with a writing style that varies depending on the sub-genre (like historical, contemporary, or paranormal).
Western romance: These stories are set in the American West and often involve cowboys, ranchers, and outlaws. They can explore themes of rugged individualism, adventure, and romance, with a rugged and outdoorsy tone and a writing style that includes descriptive landscapes and dialect.
Fantasy romance: These stories combine elements of fantasy and romance and often involve mythical creatures, magic, and epic journeys. They can explore forbidden love, quests, and battles between good and evil, with a sweeping and grand tone and a writing style that includes descriptive world-building.
Multicultural romance: These stories feature characters from diverse cultural backgrounds and explore themes of identity, family, and tradition. They can involve characters navigating cultural differences and forming deep connections, with a sensitive and heartfelt tone and a writing style that varies depending on the sub-genre (like historical or contemporary).
Mystery
Cozy Mystery: Cozy mysteries are often set in small, quaint towns or villages, and feature an amateur sleuth who solves a murder or series of murders. The tone is light and often humorous, with a focus on character and relationships rather than graphic violence or sex.
Police Procedural: Police procedurals focus on the investigation process of a crime, and often feature a professional law enforcement detective as the main character. The plot is driven by the methods used to solve the crime, and the tone is often gritty and realistic.
Hard-Boiled Mystery: Hard-boiled mysteries feature tough, cynical detectives who operate outside of the law to solve crimes. The tone is dark and gritty, with a focus on violence and corruption.
Historical Mystery: Historical mysteries are set in the past and often feature famous historical figures or events as part of the plot. The tone is often atmospheric, with a focus on the historical setting and culture.
Amateur Sleuth: Amateur sleuth mysteries feature a non-professional detective as the main character, such as a journalist, librarian, or chef. The tone is often lighthearted and cozy, with a focus on the amateur detective's unique skills and abilities.
Legal Thriller: Legal thrillers often involve legal proceedings or courtroom drama as part of the plot. The main character is often a lawyer or judge, and the tone is often intense and suspenseful.
Noir: Noir mysteries are characterized by their dark and pessimistic tone, with flawed characters and morally ambiguous situations. The focus is on the psychological aspects of crime, rather than the procedural.
Romantic Suspense: Romantic suspense combines elements of both romance and mystery, with a focus on the relationship between the main characters as well as the suspenseful plot.
Whodunit: Whodunit mysteries are characterized by their focus on the puzzle-like aspect of solving a crime, with a twist ending revealing the identity of the culprit. The tone is often light and playful, with a focus on the clues and red herrings that lead up to the solution.
Science Fiction.
Cyberpunk: This sub-genre typically features a near-future, dystopian setting in which advanced technology has both empowered and oppressed society. The tone is often gritty and dark, with a focus on the impact of technology on human identity.
Space Opera: This sub-genre is characterized by grand-scale adventures and space battles set in a future where humanity has colonized the galaxy. The tone is often adventurous and heroic, with an emphasis on world-building and exploration.
Post-Apocalyptic: This sub-genre is set in a world after a major catastrophe or disaster, and focuses on the struggle for survival and rebuilding of society. The tone is often bleak and pessimistic, with themes of isolation, desperation, and survival.
Alternate History: This sub-genre explores what would happen if key historical events had played out differently, resulting in a different present-day world. The tone and themes can vary widely depending on the point of divergence in history.
Hard Science Fiction: This sub-genre emphasizes scientific accuracy and plausibility in its exploration of speculative concepts and technologies. The tone can vary, but often has a focus on problem-solving and logical deduction.
Time Travel: This sub-genre involves characters traveling through time to alter the course of history or prevent a catastrophic event. The tone can vary widely depending on the consequences of altering history.
Alien Invasion: This sub-genre typically features humans struggling to defend Earth from an alien invasion. The tone is often action-packed and suspenseful, with a focus on survival and overcoming seemingly insurmountable odds.
Steampunk: This sub-genre is set in a world where steam power is the dominant technology, often featuring Victorian-era settings and aesthetics. The tone is often adventurous and fantastical, with an emphasis on creativity and innovation.
Military Science Fiction: This sub-genre typically involves soldiers and military units in futuristic settings, often featuring advanced technology and alien races. The tone is often action-packed and focused on combat and strategy.
Biopunk: This sub-genre explores the implications of biotechnology and genetic engineering, often featuring genetic modification of organisms or humans. The tone can be dark and cautionary, with themes of ethics and control.
Cyberprep: This sub-genre is a hybrid of cyberpunk and preppy fashion, featuring high-tech and high-fashion elements in a futuristic setting. The tone can be lighthearted and satirical, with a focus on fashion and style.
Space Western: This sub-genre combines science fiction and Western themes, often featuring space cowboys and frontier settlements on distant planets. The tone is often adventurous and action-packed, with a focus on individualism and freedom.
Slipstream: This sub-genre blends elements of science fiction with surrealism, often featuring strange or unexplained phenomena. The tone can be dreamlike and ambiguous, with a focus on atmosphere and mood.
New Wave: This sub-genre emerged in the 1960s and 1970s, featuring experimental and avant-garde styles and themes. The tone can be unconventional and challenging, with a focus on literary techniques and subversion of traditional science fiction tropes.
Mundane Science Fiction: This sub-genre emphasizes realism and plausibility in its exploration of near-future technology and societal developments. The tone is often introspective and critical, with a focus on the impact of technology on everyday life.
Fantasy
High Fantasy/Epic Fantasy: This sub-genre is characterized by a richly developed fictional world, often with its own history, geography, and mythology. The plot often centers on a hero's journey or quest to save the world or defeat evil. The tone is often grand and epic, with a focus on magic, destiny, and larger-than-life conflicts.
Urban Fantasy: This sub-genre is set in a contemporary, urban setting, often featuring supernatural elements like vampires, werewolves, and witches. The tone can be dark and gritty, with a focus on action, suspense, and the clash between the supernatural and the mundane.
Historical Fantasy: This sub-genre is set in a historical period, often featuring elements of magic and the supernatural. The tone can be romantic and atmospheric, with a focus on historical accuracy as well as fantastical elements.
Fairy Tale Retellings: This sub-genre reimagines classic fairy tales with new twists and perspectives. The tone can range from whimsical to dark and brooding, with a focus on themes of transformation and the power of storytelling.
Mythic Fantasy: This sub-genre draws on elements of myth and folklore, often featuring gods, goddesses, and other supernatural beings. The tone can be mystical and spiritual, with a focus on themes of destiny, fate, and the search for meaning.
Dark Fantasy: This sub-genre often features supernatural or horror elements, and may have a bleak or nihilistic tone. The plot can involve antiheroes or morally ambiguous characters, and may explore themes of power, corruption, and redemption.
Portal Fantasy: This sub-genre involves characters who travel between different worlds or dimensions, often featuring a contrast between the magical and the mundane. The tone can be adventurous and whimsical, with a focus on exploration and discovery.
Sword and Sorcery: This sub-genre features heroes who are skilled with weapons and magic, often set in a medieval-inspired world. The tone can be action-packed and swashbuckling, with a focus on adventure, combat, and daring exploits.
Comic Fantasy: This sub-genre combines elements of fantasy and humor, often featuring absurd or satirical elements. The tone is often lighthearted and comedic, with a focus on wordplay, satire, and parody.
Paranormal Romance: This sub-genre combines elements of romance and fantasy, often featuring supernatural love interests like vampires or werewolves. The tone can be romantic and steamy, with a focus on passion, desire, and forbidden love.
Steampunk Fantasy: This sub-genre is set in a world where steam power and clockwork technology are the norm. The plot often involves a mix of adventure, science fiction, and fantasy elements. The tone is often gritty and industrial, and the style is characterized by a Victorian aesthetic and the use of intricate machinery.
Contemporary Fantasy: This sub-genre takes place in the present day and features magic and fantastical elements that coexist with the mundane world. The plot often involves characters discovering or coming to terms with their magical abilities. The tone is often lighthearted, and the style is characterized by blending magic and realism.
Magical Realism: This sub-genre blends elements of the fantastical with the ordinary, creating a world where magic is a natural part of everyday life. The plot often explores the intersection between the magical and the real, with characters struggling to make sense of their extraordinary experiences. The tone is often dreamlike, and the style is characterized by richly descriptive prose.
Historical Fiction.
Historical romance: Set in a specific historical period, the plot centers on a romantic relationship between characters. The theme may focus on societal expectations, class differences, or political intrigue. The tone is usually romantic, with elements of drama and tension. The style emphasizes historical accuracy and details, such as costumes, settings, and dialogue.
Alternate history: The plot imagines an alternate version of history, where events unfold differently from what actually happened. The theme may explore the consequences of different choices or highlight how different societies might have evolved. The tone can range from serious to playful, depending on the author's intent. The style often emphasizes world-building, creating a detailed and believable alternate reality.
Historical fantasy: Combining elements of historical fiction and fantasy, this subgenre often involves magical or supernatural elements. The plot may center on a quest or adventure set in a specific historical period, with magical or mythical creatures and events. The theme often explores the intersection of history and fantasy, highlighting how beliefs and legends shape society. The tone can be fantastical or historical, depending on the balance of elements. The style often emphasizes world-building, creating a fully realized alternate reality.
Historical mystery: Set in a specific historical period, the plot centers on a mystery that must be solved by the protagonist. The theme may explore social or political issues of the time, and the tone is often suspenseful and dramatic. The style often emphasizes historical accuracy, highlighting the details of daily life and societal norms of the period.
Historical adventure: The plot centers on a thrilling adventure set in a specific historical period, often involving exploration, battles, or other daring escapades. The theme may explore themes of heroism, duty, or sacrifice, and the tone is often action-packed and exciting. The style emphasizes historical accuracy, highlighting the details of weapons, clothing, and other cultural aspects of the period.
Historical drama: The plot centers on the emotional and personal struggles of characters living in a specific historical period. The theme may explore issues of social justice, morality, or individualism, and the tone is often serious and introspective. The style emphasizes historical accuracy, highlighting the details of the characters' lives and the period's cultural norms.
Biographical historical fiction: The plot is based on the life of a historical figure, often imagining details that are not known or not recorded. The theme may explore the motivations and struggles of the individual or highlight the cultural and political context of the time. The tone can be serious or light-hearted, depending on the focus of the story. The style emphasizes historical accuracy, often using primary sources to create a realistic portrayal of the individual's life and times.
Historical horror: Combining elements of horror and historical fiction, this subgenre often involves supernatural or mystical elements set in a specific historical period. The plot may center on a curse or a haunted location, with the theme often exploring how historical beliefs and legends shape modern fears. The tone is often eerie and unsettling, and the style emphasizes historical accuracy and the use of atmospheric details to create a sense of dread.
Historical romance mystery: This subgenre combines elements of historical romance and historical mystery, often involving a romantic relationship that is threatened or complicated by a mystery or crime. The theme may explore social or political issues of the time, and the tone is often suspenseful and romantic. The style emphasizes historical accuracy, highlighting the details of daily life and societal norms of the period.
War fiction: Set during a specific historical conflict, the plot centers on the experiences of soldiers, civilians, or others affected by the war. The theme may explore issues of sacrifice, duty, and morality, and the tone is often gritty and realistic. The style emphasizes historical accuracy, highlighting the details of weaponry, battles,
Thriller
Psychological thriller - The plot revolves around the mental and emotional states of the characters, often featuring unreliable narrators, unexpected plot twists, and intense psychological tension. Themes may include mental illness, trauma, and the dark side of human nature. The tone is usually suspenseful and ominous.
Crime thriller - These stories focus on a crime, often a murder, and the investigation that follows. The plot typically involves a detective or law enforcement officer trying to solve the crime and bring the perpetrator to justice. Themes may include corruption, justice, and morality. The tone can range from gritty and dark to fast-paced and action-packed.
Spy thriller - The plot involves espionage, secret agents, and international intrigue. The themes may include politics, espionage, and espionage. The tone is usually suspenseful and fast-paced, with high stakes and intense action scenes.
Legal thriller - These stories focus on lawyers and legal proceedings, often involving a courtroom drama. The plot typically involves a lawyer working to uncover the truth and bring justice to a case. Themes may include justice, ethics, and the law. The tone is usually suspenseful and dramatic.
Techno-thriller - This sub-genre combines elements of science fiction and thriller, often featuring technology as a major plot point. The plot typically involves a threat to society or the world that can only be resolved through the use of advanced technology. Themes may include artificial intelligence, cyber warfare, and technological advancement. The tone is usually fast-paced and action-packed.
Action thriller - These stories are heavy on action and may include elements of crime, espionage, or terrorism. The plot typically involves a protagonist fighting against a powerful antagonist or organization. Themes may include heroism, justice, and revenge. The tone is usually fast-paced and full of action scenes.
Historical thriller - The plot is set in a historical period and involves mystery, intrigue, and danger. Themes may include historical events, social issues, and politics. The tone is usually atmospheric and suspenseful.
Disaster thriller - The plot typically involves a natural disaster or catastrophic event, and the characters must fight to survive. Themes may include survival, human nature, and the fragility of society. The tone is usually tense and suspenseful.
Medical thriller - These stories involve medical professionals, diseases, and medical research. The plot typically involves a medical crisis that threatens the lives of many people. Themes may include medical ethics, science, and the nature of life and death. The tone can range from intense and suspenseful to thoughtful and introspective.
Horror thriller - This sub-genre combines elements of horror and thriller, often featuring supernatural or paranormal elements. The plot typically involves a protagonist facing off against a powerful and evil force. Themes may include fear, death, and the supernatural. The tone is usually dark and terrifying.
Horror
Supernatural horror - This sub-genre involves supernatural elements such as ghosts, demons, and witches. The plot typically revolves around an evil presence that haunts or possesses individuals or places. Themes often involve the struggle between good and evil, the afterlife, and the supernatural world. The tone can be eerie, unsettling, or frightening. The style can include vivid descriptions of supernatural events or paranormal activity.
Psychological horror - This sub-genre focuses on the psychological aspects of fear, anxiety, and mental breakdowns. The plot may involve a character's descent into madness, paranoia, or obsession. Themes can explore the limits of the human mind, the duality of human nature, and the fragility of sanity. The tone can be disturbing, disorienting, or unsettling. The style can include introspective narration, unreliable narrators, or surreal imagery.
Slasher horror - This sub-genre involves a serial killer or a group of killers who hunt down and murder their victims. The plot often revolves around a group of people who are trapped or isolated with the killer, such as a group of teenagers in a cabin in the woods. Themes can explore the fear of death, survival instincts, and the consequences of violence. The tone can be intense, gory, or suspenseful. The style can include graphic violence, jump scares, and tense chase scenes.
Gothic horror - This sub-genre is characterized by dark, atmospheric settings, such as abandoned castles, haunted mansions, and ancient ruins. The plot typically involves supernatural or mysterious occurrences, such as curses, ghosts, or ancient evils. Themes can explore the corruption of power, the dangers of obsession, and the struggle between rationality and superstition. The tone can be melancholic, oppressive, or ominous. The style can include ornate language, archaic settings, and romanticized descriptions.
Body horror - This sub-genre focuses on the physical horror of bodily transformation or mutilation. The plot may involve diseases, mutations, or body horror caused by technology. Themes can explore the limits of the human body, the dangers of scientific progress, and the horror of physical transformation. The tone can be grotesque, revolting, or terrifying. The style can include vivid descriptions of bodily horror, visceral imagery, and medical terminology.
Literary Fiction
Historical Literary Fiction: This sub-genre is characterized by a focus on historical events and figures, with an emphasis on the emotions and inner lives of the characters. The plot is often driven by the characters' personal struggles and relationships, rather than by external events. Themes in historical literary fiction often explore the impact of history on the individual and the human condition. The tone can be reflective, nostalgic, and introspective, and the style is often lyrical and descriptive.
Contemporary Literary Fiction: This sub-genre focuses on the present-day world, with a focus on realistic and complex characters and their relationships. The plot often centers around the characters' struggles with personal issues and societal problems, with an emphasis on character development and introspection. Themes can vary widely but often explore the human experience in contemporary society. The tone can be serious, contemplative, or satirical, and the style is often characterized by literary devices such as metaphor, symbolism, and stream of consciousness.
Experimental Literary Fiction: This sub-genre is characterized by an unconventional approach to narrative structure, language, and form. The plot can be non-linear or fragmented, and the themes may be abstract or philosophical. The tone and style can vary widely but often aim to challenge the reader's expectations and push the boundaries of traditional storytelling.
Multi-Cultural Literary Fiction: This sub-genre explores the experiences and perspectives of characters from diverse cultural backgrounds. The plot may focus on the challenges of living between cultures or on the intersection of different cultural identities. Themes often explore issues of identity, belonging, and cultural heritage. The tone can be serious, humorous, or satirical, and the style is often characterized by rich descriptions of cultural traditions and practices.
Metafiction: This sub-genre is characterized by a self-referential approach to storytelling, with the author drawing attention to the construction of the narrative itself. The plot may involve characters who are aware of their existence within a fictional world or who interact with the author. Themes often explore the nature of fiction, reality, and the relationship between author and reader. The tone and style can be playful, ironic, or philosophical.
Psychological Literary Fiction: This sub-genre focuses on the psychological development and inner lives of the characters. The plot may center around the characters' struggles with mental illness, trauma, or personal crises. Themes often explore the nature of the human mind and emotions, and the impact of past experiences on the present. The tone can be introspective, haunting, or disturbing, and the style is often characterized by vivid descriptions of the characters' psychological states.
Postmodern Literary Fiction: This sub-genre is characterized by a skeptical attitude toward grand narratives and an interest in the fragmentation and deconstruction of meaning. The plot may be non-linear or fragmented, and the themes may explore the breakdown of societal norms and values. The tone and style can be playful, ironic, or satirical, and the style often incorporates elements of popular culture and intertextuality.
Comedy
Romantic Comedy: A humorous story focused on a romantic relationship between the main characters. The plot often includes obstacles that the couple must overcome in order to be together. The tone is light-hearted and the style is witty and charming.
Satire: A story that uses humor to criticize social or political issues. The plot often involves exaggerated or absurd situations and characters. The theme is often social commentary or critique of certain practices. The tone can be biting or ironic, and the style is often sharp and clever.
Farce: A comedic story that relies heavily on physical humor, improbable situations, and mistaken identities. The plot is often fast-paced and chaotic, and the tone is over-the-top and exaggerated. The style is often slapstick and absurd.
Parody: A story that imitates the style or conventions of another work in order to make fun of it. The plot is often a tongue-in-cheek version of the original story, with exaggerated or nonsensical elements. The tone can be mocking or affectionate, and the style often mimics the original work.
Dark Comedy: A story that uses humor to address serious or taboo subjects, such as death, disease, or crime. The plot often involves characters in bleak or macabre situations, and the humor is often edgy and uncomfortable. The tone is often ironic or sardonic, and the style can be morbid or irreverent.
Comedy of Manners: A story that satirizes the social behavior and customs of a particular group or class of people. The plot often involves witty banter and subtle social cues, and the humor is often sophisticated and intellectual. The tone is often dry or understated, and the style is elegant and refined.
Comic Fantasy: A story that combines humor with elements of fantasy or science fiction. The plot often involves fantastical or absurd elements, and the humor can be whimsical or silly. The tone is often light-hearted and playful, and the style can be fanciful or imaginative.
Black Comedy: A story that uses humor to explore dark or taboo subjects, such as death, crime, or mental illness. The plot often involves characters in extreme or disturbing situations, and the humor is often irreverent or gallows. The tone can be bleak or nihilistic, and the style is often daring or provocative.
Absurdist Comedy: A story that uses humor to explore the meaninglessness or irrationality of human existence. The plot often involves surreal or absurd situations, and the humor can be nonsensical or absurd. The tone is often detached or alienated, and the style can be experimental or avant-garde.
Western
Classic Western: The plot usually revolves around a conflict between good and evil, often involving cowboys, Native Americans, and lawmen. The themes are typically centered around justice, honor, and self-reliance. The tone is often serious and gritty, and the style is straightforward and unadorned.
Western Romance: The plot revolves around a romantic relationship between two main characters set against the backdrop of the American West. The themes typically involve love, commitment, and the challenges of living in a rugged and unpredictable environment. The tone is often romantic and sentimental, and the style is descriptive and emotionally expressive.
Western Adventure: The plot involves an exciting and dangerous journey or quest undertaken by the main characters, often set in the wilderness or on the frontier. The themes are usually centered around courage, perseverance, and survival. The tone is often action-packed and suspenseful, and the style is fast-paced and visually descriptive.
Weird West: This sub-genre blends elements of Western fiction with supernatural or science-fiction elements, often set in an alternative or fantastical version of the American West. The themes typically involve the clash between the natural and the supernatural, as well as the exploration of the human psyche. The tone is often dark and unsettling, and the style is imaginative and evocative.
Western Noir: This sub-genre features the classic noir elements such as crime, corruption, and moral ambiguity, set in a Western setting. The themes often explore the dark side of human nature, including greed, violence, and betrayal. The tone is typically bleak and cynical, and the style is atmospheric and evocative.
Spaghetti Western: This sub-genre originated in Italy and is characterized by its stylized and exaggerated depictions of violence and action, often set in the American West. The themes typically involve revenge, justice, and survival, and the tone is often highly dramatic and operatic. The style is visually stunning, with striking landscapes, vivid colors, and innovative camera work.
Dystopian
Post-Apocalyptic Dystopia: In this sub-genre, the world as we know it has ended, and society has collapsed. The plot often centers around the characters' struggle for survival in a world where resources are scarce and danger lurks around every corner. Themes include the consequences of environmental disaster, the dangers of unchecked technology, and the importance of community in times of crisis. Tone is often bleak, but there can also be moments of hope and resilience. Style can be gritty and realistic or more imaginative and surreal.
Utopian/Dystopian Hybrid: This sub-genre features a world that appears to be a utopia on the surface but hides a darker side. The plot often revolves around a protagonist who uncovers the dark underbelly of the supposedly perfect society. Themes include the dangers of conformity, the corrupting influence of power, and the importance of individuality. Tone can be both optimistic and pessimistic, with a sense of tension and unease permeating the story. Style can be both realistic and fantastical.
Political Dystopia: In this sub-genre, the world is ruled by an oppressive government or dictator. The plot often revolves around a protagonist or group of protagonists who rebel against the ruling powers. Themes include the dangers of totalitarianism, the importance of personal freedom and democracy, and the corrupting influence of power. Tone can be dark and somber, with a sense of urgency and danger. Style can be both realistic and fantastical.
Technological Dystopia: This sub-genre features a world where technology has become a threat to humanity. The plot often centers around the unintended consequences of technological advancement and the struggle to regain control. Themes include the dangers of artificial intelligence, the loss of privacy, and the importance of human connection. Tone can be both pessimistic and optimistic, with a sense of wonder and awe mixed with fear and uncertainty. Style can be both realistic and fantastical.
Environmental Dystopia: In this sub-genre, the world is suffering from ecological collapse. The plot often centers around the struggle to survive in a world where natural resources are scarce and the environment is toxic. Themes include the consequences of climate change, the importance of sustainable living, and the dangers of greed and short-sightedness. Tone can be both somber and hopeful, with a sense of urgency and the need for action. Style can be both realistic and fantastical.
Medical Dystopia: In this sub-genre, society is threatened by a deadly disease or virus. The plot often revolves around the search for a cure or vaccine and the struggle to contain the outbreak. Themes include the dangers of biological warfare, the importance of medical research and innovation, and the importance of global cooperation in times of crisis. Tone can be both tense and suspenseful, with a sense of urgency and the need for quick action. Style can be both realistic and fantastical.
Cyberpunk: This sub-genre features a dystopian future where technology has become the dominant force in society. The plot often centers around characters who are marginalized or oppressed by the ruling powers and who use technology to fight back. Themes include the dangers of unchecked capitalism, the loss of privacy, and the importance of personal freedom. Tone is often dark and gritty, with a sense of danger and rebellion. Style can be both futuristic and retro.
Steampunk: This sub-genre features a dystopian world where technology has taken a different form, with steam-powered machines and Victorian-era aesthetics. The plot often revolves around characters who are struggling against a corrupt ruling class or using technology to achieve their goals. Themes include the dangers of industrialization, the importance of individuality and creativity, and the need for social reform. Tone can be both
Tropes
Let me break down the importance of tropes in storytelling for you. Tropes are literary or storytelling devices that are commonly used in a specific genre or type of story. They can help readers identify and understand the story's themes, providing them with a sense of familiarity and expectations about the plot and characters.
For instance, in fantasy and adventure stories, the "hero's journey" is a popular trope where the protagonist embarks on a quest, faces challenges, and eventually triumphs over adversity. When used effectively, tropes can create a sense of comfort and connection between the reader and the story, while also allowing authors to explore new ideas and variations on established themes.
Tropes can also be used to subvert or challenge reader expectations, which can create a sense of surprise or intrigue. For example, a romance story that plays with the "enemies to lovers" trope by having the two characters come from opposing sides of a political conflict can create a fresh and unexpected twist on a familiar theme.
Overall, despite sometimes being viewed as cliché or overused, tropes serve an important purpose in storytelling by helping readers engage with and understand the story. Plus, they offer authors a useful framework for exploring new ideas and themes.
Romance
Enemies to Lovers - two characters who start out as adversaries or even enemies, but eventually fall in love.
Friends to Lovers - two characters who have been friends for a long time, but eventually realize their feelings for each other go beyond friendship.
Second Chance Romance - two characters who have a history together, but for various reasons, didn't work out. They get a second chance at love.
Forbidden Love - two characters who are attracted to each other but are prevented from being together due to societal or cultural constraints, such as a workplace romance or a relationship between a boss and an employee.
Fake Relationship - two characters who enter into a fake relationship for various reasons, but eventually develop real feelings for each other.
Love Triangle - two characters who compete for the affection of a third character.
Billionaire Romance - a wealthy character falls in love with someone from a different social class, creating a conflict between money and love.
Small Town Romance - two characters fall in love in a close-knit community or small town setting.
Alpha Hero - a strong, dominant male character who falls in love with a strong, independent female character.
Marriage of Convenience - two characters agree to marry for practical reasons, such as financial stability or immigration purposes, but end up falling in love.
Single Parent Romance - a character falls in love with someone who already has a child, creating a family dynamic.
Time Travel Romance - a character travels through time and falls in love with someone from a different era.
Bodyguard Romance - a character falls in love with their bodyguard, creating a dynamic of danger and protection.
Sports Romance - two characters fall in love in the context of a sports team or competition.
Beauty and the Beast - a physically unattractive character falls in love with someone who sees beyond their appearance.
Amnesia Romance - a character loses their memory and falls in love with someone who helps them regain it.
Opposites Attract - two characters who are very different fall in love, creating a dynamic of contrast.
Office Romance - two characters fall in love in the context of a workplace or office setting.
Vacation Romance - two characters fall in love while on vacation, creating a dynamic of escape and adventure.
Royalty Romance - a character falls in love with someone from a royal or aristocratic family, creating a conflict between love and social status.
Mystery
Whodunit - the main focus of the story is to discover who committed a crime.
Detective Protagonist - a detective or investigator is the main character, who solves the mystery.
Amateur Sleuth - a non-professional character who is drawn into the mystery and works to solve it.
Closed Circle - a group of people is trapped in a confined space with a murderer, forcing them to solve the mystery before they become the next victim.
Cozy Mystery - a lighthearted and humorous mystery featuring an amateur sleuth in a small town setting.
Police Procedural - a detailed look at the inner workings of a police investigation, from collecting evidence to solving the crime.
Locked Room Mystery - a murder occurs in a room that appears to be locked from the inside, leaving investigators to solve how the killer could have escaped.
Serial Killer - a story centered around a killer who has committed multiple murders and is being pursued by law enforcement.
Noir - a dark and gritty mystery with a bleak outlook, often featuring an anti-hero protagonist.
Hard-boiled - similar to noir, featuring a tough, cynical protagonist who operates outside the law to solve the mystery.
Amateur Detective Team - a group of amateur sleuths work together to solve the mystery.
Red Herring - a misleading clue or character that is intended to distract the reader and throw them off the scent of the real culprit.
Femme Fatale - a mysterious and seductive woman who often plays a central role in the mystery.
Plant - a seemingly innocuous detail or character that is later revealed to be a crucial piece of evidence.
MacGuffin - an object or concept that drives the plot, but ultimately has little importance in the resolution of the mystery.
Culprit POV - the story is told from the perspective of the killer or the criminal, creating a unique twist on the traditional mystery formula.
Protagonist Framed - the main character is framed for a crime they did not commit, forcing them to clear their name and solve the mystery.
Covert Ops - a mystery that involves espionage or intelligence gathering.
Unreliable Narrator - the story is told from the perspective of a character who may not be telling the truth, creating uncertainty and confusion for the reader.
Supernatural Mystery - a mystery that involves supernatural or paranormal elements, such as ghosts, werewolves, or vampires.
Science Fiction
Space Opera - a story that takes place in a vast and complex universe with epic battles and larger-than-life characters.
Time Travel - the ability to travel through time, either to the past or the future.
Alien Invasion - a story that revolves around an extraterrestrial invasion of Earth.
Post-Apocalyptic - a story that takes place after a catastrophic event has destroyed civilization as we know it.
Cyberpunk - a subgenre of science fiction that features a dystopian future where advanced technology has led to a breakdown of society.
Artificial Intelligence - the creation of intelligent machines that can think and reason like humans.
Colonization - a story that explores the colonization of a new planet or the colonization of Earth by extraterrestrial beings.
Galactic Empire - a vast empire that spans across multiple planets and galaxies.
Genetic Engineering - the modification of DNA to create new forms of life or enhance existing ones.
Interstellar Travel - the ability to travel between star systems and explore the vastness of space.
Parallel Universes - the concept of multiple universes or realities existing simultaneously.
Cybernetics - the integration of machines and technology with the human body to enhance abilities or extend lifespan.
Post-Human - the evolution of humanity beyond its current form, either through technology or genetic modification.
Utopia/Dystopia - a society that is either a perfect utopia or a nightmarish dystopia.
Transhumanism - the belief in the ability of humans to evolve beyond their biological limitations.
Hard Science Fiction - a subgenre of science fiction that focuses on the scientific accuracy and realism of the story.
Soft Science Fiction - a subgenre of science fiction that focuses on the social, cultural, and philosophical aspects of the story.
Space Western - a story that combines elements of science fiction with the themes and tropes of a Western.
First Contact - a story that explores the initial meeting between humans and an extraterrestrial species.
Singularity - the point at which artificial intelligence becomes more advanced than human intelligence, leading to a transformation of society.
Fantasy
Epic Quest - a story that revolves around a hero or group of heroes on a perilous journey to achieve a great goal.
Magic - the use of supernatural forces to achieve extraordinary feats or solve problems.
Swords and Sorcery - a subgenre of fantasy that features action-packed adventures with battles and magic.
High Fantasy - a subgenre of fantasy that takes place in an alternate world with its own history, culture, and mythology.
Dark Fantasy - a subgenre of fantasy that incorporates horror elements and a darker tone.
Prophecy - a prediction or foretelling of future events that drives the plot.
Chosen One - a hero or heroine with a special destiny or purpose.
Magical Creatures - the inclusion of fantastical creatures such as dragons, unicorns, or griffins.
Medieval Setting - a story that takes place in a time period similar to the Middle Ages, with knights, castles, and kings.
Fairy Tales - the retelling or reimagining of classic fairy tales such as Cinderella, Snow White, or Beauty and the Beast.
Parallel Worlds - the concept of multiple worlds or dimensions existing simultaneously.
Coming-of-Age - a story that focuses on a character's growth and development as they transition from childhood to adulthood.
Hero's Journey - a story structure that follows a hero or heroine through a series of trials and challenges.
Mythology - the inclusion of gods and goddesses, myths, and legends from various cultures.
Quest Objects - a magical or mythical object that serves as the goal of the hero's journey.
Underworld - a mysterious and often dangerous realm that exists beneath the surface of the world.
Romance - a romantic subplot or love interest that drives the plot.
Time Travel - the ability to travel through time, either to the past or the future.
Folklore - the inclusion of traditional stories, beliefs, and customs of a particular culture.
Elemental Magic - the use of magic that is connected to the elements such as fire, water, earth, or air.
Historical Fiction
Time Period - a story that takes place in a specific historical time period, such as the Middle Ages, Renaissance, or Victorian era.
Historical Figures - the inclusion of real-life historical figures, such as kings, queens, politicians, or artists, as characters in the story.
Political Intrigue - a plot that involves political maneuvering, conspiracy, and power struggles.
War and Conflict - a story that focuses on a historical war or conflict and its impact on individuals or society.
Romance - a romantic subplot or love interest that is set against the backdrop of a historical event or time period.
Social Commentary - a story that explores social issues and injustices of a specific historical time period, such as class, gender, or race.
Court Intrigue - a plot that takes place in a royal court, with its politics, gossip, and drama.
Historical Mystery - a mystery story that takes place in a specific historical time period, often featuring real-life historical events or figures.
Historical Adventure - an adventure story that takes place in a specific historical time period, often featuring exploration, discovery, and danger.
Family Saga - a multi-generational story that spans a significant period of time and follows a family's history and relationships.
Historical Biographical Fiction - a fictionalized account of a real-life historical figure's life and experiences.
Secret Societies - a plot that involves secret organizations or societies, often with historical significance.
Historical Romance - a romantic story set in a specific historical time period, often with themes of social class, duty, and tradition.
Historical Fantasy - a blend of historical fiction and fantasy elements, such as magic, mythical creatures, or alternative history.
Historical Horror - a blend of historical fiction and horror elements, often exploring the darker aspects of a specific historical time period.
Time Travel - the ability to travel through time to experience different historical time periods.
Historical Crime - a crime story that takes place in a specific historical time period, often featuring real-life historical crimes or criminals.
Historical Epic - a grand, sweeping story that covers a significant period of time and multiple characters.
Historical Drama - a dramatic story that takes place in a specific historical time period, often featuring conflict, struggle, and personal growth.
Historical Fictionalization - a fictional story that takes place in a specific historical time period, often featuring real-life historical events or figures.
Thriller
High Stakes - a story where the protagonist is facing extreme danger or risk to their life or the lives of others.
Psychological Thriller - a story that focuses on the psychological and emotional state of the characters, often involving mind games and manipulation.
Serial Killer - a plot that involves a murderer who kills multiple victims over a period of time, often with a specific motive or pattern.
Conspiracy - a plot that involves a secret organization or group that is working against the protagonist and their goals.
Race Against Time - a story where the protagonist has a limited amount of time to achieve their goal before a catastrophic event occurs.
Action-Packed - a story with plenty of fast-paced action scenes, often featuring chases, fights, and explosions.
Law Enforcement - a plot that involves law enforcement agencies or officers investigating a crime or trying to stop a criminal.
Revenge - a plot that involves a character seeking revenge against those who have wronged them or their loved ones.
International Intrigue - a story that takes place across multiple countries and involves espionage, international conflicts, or political intrigue.
Kidnapping - a plot that involves the abduction of a character or characters, often for ransom or other nefarious purposes.
Spy Thriller - a story that features a spy or secret agent working to stop a dangerous threat to national security.
Cat-and-Mouse - a plot that involves a game of cat-and-mouse between the protagonist and their enemy, often with each trying to outsmart the other.
Betrayal - a plot that involves a character being betrayed by someone they thought they could trust.
Technological Threat - a story that involves a dangerous technological threat, such as a computer virus or rogue AI.
Locked Room Mystery - a mystery where the crime or danger takes place in a confined space, such as a locked room or an isolated location.
Political Thriller - a story that involves political power struggles, corruption, or conspiracies.
Survival - a story where the protagonist is fighting for survival in a dangerous or hostile environment.
Medical Thriller - a story that involves a medical mystery, such as a virus or disease outbreak, or a medical conspiracy.
Heist - a plot that involves a group of characters planning and executing a high-stakes theft or robbery.
Paranormal Thriller - a story that involves paranormal or supernatural elements, such as ghosts or psychic abilities, in a thriller setting.
Horror
Haunted House - a story that takes place in a house or building that is haunted by ghosts or other supernatural entities.
Supernatural Forces - a plot that involves supernatural entities or forces, such as demons, witches, or monsters.
Psychological Horror - a story that focuses on the mental and emotional state of the characters, often involving fears, phobias, or psychological trauma.
Body Horror - a plot that involves grotesque or horrifying physical transformations or deformities, often caused by disease or experimentation.
Gore - a story that involves graphic and bloody violence, often featuring mutilation or dismemberment.
Slasher - a plot that involves a killer who stalks and murders their victims, often with a signature weapon or method.
Survival Horror - a story where the characters are fighting for survival against a threat that is overwhelming and seemingly unstoppable.
Found Footage - a plot that involves footage or recordings of an event or situation, often presented as a documentary or amateur recording.
Creepy Children - a plot that involves creepy or malevolent children, often with supernatural abilities or knowledge.
Possession - a plot that involves a character being possessed by a demon or other supernatural entity.
Monster - a plot that involves a monstrous creature, often with a unique or terrifying design.
Ghost Story - a plot that involves ghosts or spirits, often seeking revenge or trying to communicate with the living.
Curses - a plot that involves a character or location being cursed, often with a deadly or horrific consequence.
Urban Legend - a plot that involves a well-known urban legend or myth, often with a dark or gruesome twist.
Religious Horror - a story that involves religious or cult themes, often with a sinister or demonic presence.
Vampires - a plot that involves vampires, often with unique or interesting twists on the classic vampire lore.
Demonic Possession - a plot that involves a character being possessed by a demon, often with terrifying consequences.
Body Snatchers - a plot that involves aliens or other entities that take over human bodies, often with the goal of domination or destruction.
Cult Horror - a story that involves a cult or secret society, often with dark or violent rituals.
Cosmic Horror - a story that involves vast, unknowable entities or forces that are beyond human comprehension.
Young Adult (YA)
Coming of age - a plot that focuses on a character's journey from adolescence to adulthood, often involving self-discovery and personal growth.
Love Triangle - a plot that involves a character choosing between two potential love interests, often causing conflict and tension.
High School Drama - a story that takes place in a high school setting, often involving cliques, popularity contests, and social hierarchies.
Dystopian - a plot that takes place in a futuristic or alternate world where society has become corrupted or oppressive.
Superpowers - a plot that involves characters with supernatural abilities, often exploring themes of responsibility and identity.
Forbidden Romance - a plot that involves characters who are not allowed to be together due to social, cultural, or familial reasons.
Identity Crisis - a plot that involves a character questioning their identity, often exploring themes of race, gender, or sexuality.
Fish out of Water - a plot that involves a character being placed in a new and unfamiliar environment, often leading to culture shock and personal growth.
Rebellion - a plot that involves characters fighting against authority or oppressive forces, often with themes of social justice and empowerment.
Time Travel - a plot that involves characters traveling through time, often exploring themes of consequences and destiny.
Survival - a plot that involves characters fighting for survival in a hostile environment or situation.
Fantasy - a plot that takes place in a fantastical world, often involving mythical creatures and magical powers.
Mystery - a plot that involves a character solving a puzzle or unraveling a mystery, often with a twist ending.
Apocalyptic - a plot that involves characters trying to survive in a world that has been destroyed by a catastrophic event, often exploring themes of hope and resilience.
Boarding School - a story that takes place in a boarding school setting, often involving themes of independence and friendship.
Road Trip - a plot that involves characters going on a journey, often exploring themes of self-discovery and adventure.
Sports - a story that involves characters participating in a sports team or competition, often exploring themes of teamwork and perseverance.
Rich vs. Poor - a plot that involves characters from different socioeconomic backgrounds, often exploring themes of inequality and privilege.
Friendship - a plot that explores the relationships and bonds between characters, often with themes of loyalty and trust.
Teenage Rebellion - a plot that involves characters rebelling against their parents or society, often exploring themes of independence and self-expression.
Literary Fiction
Character study - a plot that focuses on the inner workings of a character's psyche and emotions.
Family drama - a story that involves familial relationships, often exploring themes of love, loss, and identity.
Coming of age - a plot that focuses on a character's journey from adolescence to adulthood, often involving self-discovery and personal growth.
Memory and nostalgia - a plot that explores the past and memories, often with themes of loss, regret, and longing.
Art and creativity - a plot that explores the creative process and the artist's relationship with their art, often with themes of inspiration and obsession.
Existentialism - a plot that explores the meaning of life and existence, often with themes of identity and purpose.
Love and relationships - a plot that explores the complexities of romantic relationships and the human condition.
Social commentary - a plot that uses characters and their stories to comment on societal issues and concerns.
Loss and grief - a plot that explores the themes of loss and grief, often with themes of redemption and acceptance.
Mental health - a plot that explores the struggles and experiences of characters with mental health issues, often with themes of stigma and acceptance.
Nature and environment - a plot that explores the relationship between humans and nature, often with themes of conservation and preservation.
Historical fiction - a plot that takes place in a historical setting, often with themes of nostalgia and nostalgia.
Travel and adventure - a plot that involves characters traveling to new and unfamiliar places, often with themes of self-discovery and adventure.
Mystery - a plot that involves a character solving a puzzle or unraveling a mystery, often with a twist ending.
Philosophy - a plot that explores philosophical concepts and ideas, often with themes of morality and ethics.
Politics and power - a plot that explores the dynamics of power and politics, often with themes of corruption and morality.
Religion and spirituality - a plot that explores the themes of religion and spirituality, often with themes of faith and doubt.
Aging and mortality - a plot that explores the themes of aging and mortality, often with themes of acceptance and legacy.
Experimental fiction - a plot that plays with narrative structure, language, and form, often with themes of innovation and creativity.
Identity and culture - a plot that explores the themes of identity and culture, often with themes of belonging and alienation.
Comedy
Fish out of water - a plot that involves a character being thrust into an unfamiliar or absurd situation.
Screwball comedy - a plot that involves absurd or zany situations, often with fast-paced dialogue and physical humor.
Satire - a plot that uses humor to mock or criticize societal norms or institutions.
Parody - a plot that mimics or exaggerates the tropes and conventions of a particular genre or story.
Romantic comedy - a plot that involves a romantic relationship, often with humorous misunderstandings and obstacles.
Workplace comedy - a plot that takes place in a workplace setting, often with exaggerated or quirky characters and situations.
Farce - a plot that involves chaotic or ridiculous situations, often with mistaken identities and physical humor.
Slapstick - a plot that involves physical humor and exaggerated movements and actions.
Black comedy - a plot that uses humor to address dark or taboo subjects, often with themes of mortality and existentialism.
Situational comedy - a plot that involves humorous situations or misunderstandings.
Spoof - a plot that parodies a particular movie or TV show, often with exaggerated and absurd humor.
Gross-out comedy - a plot that involves bodily humor and gross or taboo subjects.
Buddy comedy - a plot that involves two characters with contrasting personalities who become friends, often with humorous results.
Surreal humor - a plot that involves absurd or dreamlike situations, often with a philosophical or satirical edge.
Comedic irony - a plot that uses irony to create humor, often with unexpected twists and turns.
Stand-up comedy - a plot that involves a comedian's experiences and observations, often with humorous anecdotes and jokes.
Comedic monologue - a plot that involves a character delivering a humorous speech or monologue, often with satire or parody.
Prankster comedy - a plot that involves practical jokes and humor at the expense of others.
Wit and banter - a plot that involves clever and witty dialogue, often with wordplay and sarcasm.
Running gags - a plot that involves recurring jokes or situations, often with escalating humor.
Western
Gunslinger - a plot that involves a skilled shooter or outlaw seeking redemption or justice.
Lawman - a plot that involves a law enforcement officer pursuing criminals and bringing them to justice.
Cattle drive - a plot that involves a group of cowboys driving a herd of cattle across long distances.
Revenge - a plot that involves a character seeking revenge against those who wronged them or their family.
Outlaw with a heart of gold - a plot that involves an outlaw with a moral code who takes on a noble cause.
Homesteader - a plot that involves a character settling and cultivating land in the frontier.
Duel - a plot that involves a one-on-one confrontation between two characters, often with guns or knives.
Train robbery - a plot that involves a group of bandits robbing a train of its cargo or passengers.
Gold rush - a plot that involves characters seeking wealth and fortune in the frontier, often through mining.
Indian wars - a plot that involves conflict between settlers and Native Americans, often with themes of racism and colonialism.
Saloon - a plot that involves characters gathering in a western-style bar, often with gambling and drinking.
Bounty hunter - a plot that involves a character pursuing and capturing fugitives for a reward.
Stagecoach - a plot that involves a group of characters traveling by stagecoach, often with danger and excitement along the way.
Showdown - a plot that involves a final confrontation between the hero and villain, often with high stakes.
Frontier justice - a plot that involves characters taking the law into their own hands, often with themes of vigilante justice.
Lone wanderer - a plot that involves a character traveling alone through the frontier, often with themes of isolation and survival.
Land conflict - a plot that involves characters fighting for ownership or control of land in the frontier.
Old west town - a plot that involves a character navigating life in a wild and lawless western town.
Rancher - a plot that involves a character managing a large ranch, often with themes of family and legacy.
Horseback chase - a plot that involves a chase scene on horseback, often with themes of pursuit and escape.
Dystopian.
Totalitarian government - a plot that involves a government or ruling power that has complete control over society and its citizens.
Oppressive society - a plot that involves a society that enforces strict rules and regulations on its citizens, often with extreme punishments for disobedience.
Rebel uprising - a plot that involves a group of rebels or revolutionaries who rise up against the ruling power.
Propaganda - a plot that involves the use of media and messaging to manipulate and control the population.
Social hierarchy - a plot that involves a society divided into social classes or castes, often with those at the bottom suffering the most.
Surveillance state - a plot that involves constant surveillance and monitoring of citizens by the ruling power.
Lack of personal freedom - a plot that involves citizens having limited or no personal freedoms, often with restrictions on speech, movement, and expression.
Environmental disaster - a plot that involves a society struggling to survive in the aftermath of an environmental catastrophe.
Post-apocalyptic world - a plot that involves a society trying to survive after a global disaster, such as a nuclear war or pandemic.
Dystopian love story - a plot that involves a romance set in a dystopian world, often with themes of forbidden love and societal restrictions.
Totalitarian leader - a plot that involves a single leader who holds absolute power over society.
Brainwashing - a plot that involves the use of psychological manipulation to control the population.
Genetic engineering - a plot that involves the manipulation of genetics and biology to create a new type of human or animal.
Rebellion leader - a plot that involves a charismatic leader who inspires and leads the rebellion against the ruling power.
Resistance movement - a plot that involves a group of individuals fighting against the ruling power, often through acts of sabotage and rebellion.
Corrupt government - a plot that involves a government that is corrupt and self-serving, often at the expense of the citizens.
Apocalyptic event - a plot that involves a catastrophic event that threatens the survival of humanity.
Oppressive technology - a plot that involves the use of advanced technology to control and manipulate citizens.
Civil war - a plot that involves a society torn apart by a conflict between factions or groups.
Protagonist as symbol of hope - a plot that involves a protagonist who becomes a symbol of hope for the oppressed and downtrodden citizens.
While I've only listed 20 common tropes found in these genres, there are actually many more out there waiting for you to discover! A quick Google search can help you track down all sorts of interesting and unique tropes to use in your writing.
Target Audience
It's important to understand who your book's target audience is, as it allows you to write a book that connects with them on a deeper level. Your target audience is the group of people who are most likely to enjoy your book, find it valuable, and recommend it to others. By writing with your target audience in mind, you can ensure that your book is relevant to their interests, speaks to their needs, and is more likely to be successful. After all, when you connect with your readers, you create a powerful bond that can make them lifelong fans of your work.
If you've already decided on your genres, sub-genres, and tropes, finding your target audience is a breeze. All you have to do is a quick Google search and voila! However, to help you out, I can provide you with some general information on target audiences. Do keep in mind that this information is not set in stone, as everyone's interests differ. For instance, plenty women enjoy thrillers, action stories, or horror. Nonetheless, this outline can serve as a starting point for your research.
Young Adult:
Genres: Fantasy, dystopian, contemporary, romance
Tropes: Coming-of-age, love triangles, chosen one, forbidden love, adventure
Themes: Identity, self-discovery, social justice, belonging, family, friendship, first love, mental health
Needs: Relatable characters, emotional resonance, accessible language, diverse representation, empowerment
Adult:
Genres: Mystery, thriller, romance, historical fiction, literary fiction
Tropes: Second chance at love, redemption, suspense, revenge, secrets and lies, unreliable narrators, twists and turns, complex relationships
Themes: Love and relationships, societal issues, personal growth, identity, history, culture, family dynamics, Love and loss
Needs: Engaging plot, well-developed characters, nuanced themes, evocative language, diverse representation
Middle-grade:
Genres: Adventure, fantasy, science fiction, historical fiction, humor, contemporary
Tropes: Overcoming obstacles, friendship, finding one's place, underdogs, magic
Themes: Family, friendship, self-discovery, perseverance, identity, problem-solving, Self-acceptance, courage, teamwork
Needs: Engaging plot, relatable characters, age-appropriate language, adventure and humor, positive messaging
Children:
Genres: Picture books, early readers, chapter books
Tropes: Animals as main characters, imaginative worlds, humor, adventure, family relationships, lessons learned
Themes: Family, friendship, growing up, learning new things, self-expression, empathy, problem-solving, diversity, kindness
Needs: Simple language, colorful illustrations, engaging storytelling, relatable characters, age-appropriate messaging
Women:
Genres: Romance, mystery, historical fiction, women's fiction, contemporary fiction, literary fiction
Tropes: Second chance at love, forbidden love, strong female lead, enemies-to-lovers, happily-ever-after, family secrets
Themes: Love and relationships, family, personal growth, empowerment, sisterhood, identity
Needs: Emotional resonance, well-rounded characters, diverse representation, nuanced themes, satisfying endings
Men:
Genres: Thriller, science fiction, fantasy, action/adventure, historical fiction
Tropes: Action-packed, gritty, hero's journey, good vs. evil, moral dilemmas, Tough-guy heroes, high stakes, intricate plots, historical accuracy
Themes: Honor, justice, redemption, brotherhood, duty, perseverance
Needs: Engaging plot, well-researched historical details, realistic action, diverse representation, nuanced themes
LGBTQ+:
Genres: LGBTQ+ romance, coming-of-age, drama, contemporary fiction, young adult, literary fiction, speculative fiction
Tropes: Coming out, forbidden love, self-acceptance, exploring sexuality, found family, overcoming prejudice, love conquers all
Themes: Identity, discrimination, love and relationships, acceptance, self-discovery, community
Needs: Authentic representation, diverse characters and experiences, nuanced portrayal of LGBTQ+ issues, positive messaging, happy endings
Seniors:
Genres: Historical fiction, literary fiction, memoir, mystery, romance
Tropes: Second chance at love, reflection on past mistakes, family drama, secrets and lies
Themes: Aging, family, legacy, life lessons, reflection, personal growth.
Needs: Thoughtful themes, well-rounded characters, evocative language, diverse representation, positive messaging
Note: "Nuanced" means that something is complex and has many different parts or aspects that make it unique. It's not just one simple thing, but has layers and details that make it more interesting and complicated. For example, a nuanced character in a book might have both good and bad qualities, and their personality and behavior might change depending on the situation they're in.
Here are some example's of nuanced themes:
Love and loss: exploring the complex emotions surrounding love and loss, such as grief, regret, and nostalgia.
Identity and belonging: examining the struggle to find one's place in the world and how our sense of self is shaped by our experiences and relationships.
Power and corruption: exploring the abuse of power and how it can corrupt individuals and institutions.
Morality and ethics: examining the gray areas of morality and the difficult choices we face when navigating right and wrong.
Mental health: exploring the complexities of mental health and how it impacts individuals and their relationships.
Social justice: examining issues of inequality, discrimination, and systemic oppression, and the need for change.
Cultural differences: exploring the nuances of different cultures and the challenges and benefits of navigating those differences.
Nature and the environment: examining the relationship between humans and nature, and the impact of human behavior on the environment.
Family and relationships: exploring the complexities of family dynamics and relationships, including love, loyalty, and betrayal.
Aging and mortality: examining the process of aging and the impact of mortality on individuals and their loved ones.
Starting to plot your novel is an exciting step, and choosing your genre, trope, and target audience are vital for laying the groundwork of your story. But it's important not to overlook other essential elements that can elevate your story to the next level. For example, have you thought about how you want your readers to feel when they read your book, or what you want them to learn? These questions can help you create a more impactful and meaningful story that resonates with your readers.
As an author, you likely have a specific purpose in mind when crafting your story. Whether you aim to entertain, convey a message, or educate your readers, it's important to consider the intended impact on your audience. To achieve your creative goals, you'll need to pay attention to key elements like plot, characters, setting, and themes, and ensure they work cohesively to create an engaging and immersive experience.
For readers, understanding the author's intent can enhance their appreciation of the story and lead to a more fulfilling reading experience. By recognizing the impact and meaning behind the words on the page, you can fully immerse yourself in the story and gain a deeper understanding of the author's message. So whether you're a writer or a reader, don't forget to consider the impact of your words and how they can connect with your audience.
Authors can convey various messages, lessons, and ideas through fictional writing. Here are a few examples:
Moral lessons: Fictional stories often have a moral lesson or message that the author wants to convey to the reader. The story may illustrate the consequences of certain actions or behaviors, and the characters may learn a valuable lesson by the end of the story.
Social commentary: Fictional stories can also be used to comment on social issues such as inequality, discrimination, or injustice. By using characters and situations that are relatable to readers, authors can help readers better understand and empathize with these issues.
Emotional connections: Through fictional writing, authors can help readers connect emotionally with the characters and situations in the story. This can help readers develop greater empathy and understanding of others in real life.
Imagination and creativity: Fictional writing can inspire readers to use their imagination and think creatively. Through vivid descriptions and imaginative storytelling, authors can transport readers to new and exciting worlds.
Personal growth: Fictional writing can also help readers learn more about themselves and their own values and beliefs. By exploring different characters and situations, readers can gain new perspectives and insights that can help them grow and develop as individuals.
I understand that all of this might sound a bit overwhelming and challenging, but please don't worry! If you're writing solely for the purpose of entertaining your readers and don't have any specific message to convey, you can simply skip this part when creating your novel outline. Don't feel obligated to include elements that you're not comfortable with, and focus on creating a story that you enjoy telling.
By the way, I'd like to share with you some examples of popular stories and their authors that effectively convey certain messages or teach valuable lessons through their fictional writing:
"To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee - This story teaches the importance of empathy, justice, and standing up for what is right.
"1984" by George Orwell - This dystopian novel warns about the dangers of totalitarianism and the importance of preserving individual freedom.
"The Handmaid's Tale" by Margaret Atwood - This dystopian novel warns about the dangers of patriarchal oppression and the importance of women's rights.
"The Lord of the Rings" by J.R.R. Tolkien - This epic fantasy novel teaches the importance of courage, loyalty, and sacrifice in the face of great evil.
"The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald - This story critiques the superficiality and moral decay of the wealthy during the Roaring Twenties.
"Animal Farm" by George Orwell - This allegorical novel satirizes the rise of Soviet communism and warns about the dangers of political corruption and propaganda.
"Brave New World" by Aldous Huxley - This dystopian novel warns about the dangers of technological advancement and the dehumanization of society.
"The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger - This story explores the themes of alienation, identity, and the struggle to find meaning in a world that can often seem cold and indifferent.
"The Color Purple" by Alice Walker - This story explores themes of race, gender, and the struggle for personal autonomy and self-determination in a society that seeks to deny these things.
"The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins - This dystopian novel critiques the excesses of consumer culture and warns about the dangers of totalitarianism and oppression.
Plot
Great job! We've completed the first part of outlining a basic novel. Now, let's move on to plotting. But wait a minute! Before you start plotting, there's some information we need first - your intended word count. This may sound like a small detail, but it's actually quite important. Knowing the total word count of your story can affect many things. For instance, publishers often have guidelines for the length of novels they will accept, so if your manuscript is too long or too short, it may be rejected. Additionally, readers may have certain expectations for the length of a novel in a specific genre, and if your book is significantly shorter or longer than expected, it may not be well-received. Lastly, the word count can influence the pacing and structure of your novel, with longer novels potentially allowing for more complex plot and character development, but requiring more attention to pacing and structure to avoid losing the reader's interest.
You might be thinking, "Hey, Taytjie, what if I want to post a web novel with over 1000 chapters? Do I have to plot everything in advance?" Well, my answer is no! However, I do recommend thinking of a web novel as a series of books, each with its own volume, rather than a single, massive work. So when plotting your web novel, it's best to approach each volume individually. This will make it easier to organize your ideas and create a cohesive story that engages your readers. Each 'Arc' of your web novel can be an individual volume of around 10 to 30 chapters or more, it's up to your preference.
Let me offer you a general guideline for word counts, but keep in mind that variations may exist based on factors such as sub-genre, target audience, and publishing goals. If traditional publishing is what you're aiming for, then different publishers may have different expectations. However, it's worth noting that while you don't have to stick to these word counts, readers typically expect them in the genres I've discussed in this post. Ultimately, what matters most is that your story is engaging and well-crafted, and if you achieve that, your readers will be hooked no matter the word count.
Romance: 50,000 to 90,000 words
Mystery: 70,000 to 100,000 words
Science fiction: 80,000 to 120,000 words
Fantasy: 80,000 to 120,000 words
Historical fiction: 80,000 to 120,000 words
Thriller: 80,000 to 100,000 words
Horror: 70,000 to 100,000 words
Young adult: 50,000 to 80,000 words
Literary fiction: 80,000 to 120,000 words
Comedy: 70,000 to 100,000 words
Western: 50,000 to 80,000 words
Dystopian: 80,000 to 120,000 words
You might be wondering why we're discussing word count under the 'plot' section instead of the 'book information' section. Well, it's because knowing your intended word count will help you figure out how many chapters your story will have. This, in turn, will affect your plot, as it gives you an idea of how much time you have to tell your story and how much you'll need to stretch it out.
Now it's time to decide on the number of chapters and the length of each chapter for your novel. To determine the chapter length, think about how many words you want to include in each chapter and use that to calculate the total number of chapters required to reach your desired word count for the whole story.
After figuring out the number of chapters, it's time to work on the plot. Don't worry, it doesn't have to be a lengthy essay, just a brief two-sentence summary will do. The main thing is to have a clear idea of what your story will be about.
Here's an example:
In a world of magic and intrigue, a young wizard falls in love with a powerful sorceress from a rival clan. Together, they must navigate the dangerous politics of their respective societies while discovering the true depth of their feelings for each other.
Alright, great job so far! Now let's dig a little deeper and focus on the beginning, middle, and end of your story. What's going to happen at the start to draw your readers in? What twists and turns will take place in the middle? And finally, how do you want it all to wrap up in the end?
Start: The story begins in a magical world filled with warring clans and powerful sorcerers. Our protagonist, a young wizard, is training at the academy of his clan when he meets a beautiful sorceress from a rival clan. Despite the tensions between their clans, they are drawn to each other and begin to secretly meet.
Middle: As their relationship deepens, our young couple finds themselves caught up in the dangerous politics of their respective societies. They struggle to keep their love a secret, while also trying to navigate the treacherous waters of their clans' rivalries. Along the way, they uncover a plot by a dark force that threatens both their clans and must work together to stop it.
End: In the climax of the story, our young wizard and sorceress face their greatest challenge yet. They must put aside their differences and unite their clans to defeat the dark force that threatens them all. Through their bravery and dedication, they prove that love can conquer even the most formidable foes. In the end, our young couple is able to come together openly and publicly, ushering in a new era of peace and prosperity for their people.
Congratulations, we've made progress! Now it's time to take our plot and start breaking it down into individual chapters. Think about the key events that need to happen in each chapter to move the story forward and write them down.
Chapter 1: Our young wizard protagonist meets the powerful sorceress from a rival clan and is immediately drawn to her.
Chapter 2: Our couple shares their first magical moment together, but the looming threat of their clans' rivalry casts a shadow over their happiness.
Chapter 3: Our wizard protagonist confides in his best friend about his feelings for the sorceress, but is warned about the dangers of falling in love with someone from a rival clan.
Chapter 4: The sorceress reveals that she feels the same way, and the couple begins to meet in secret.
Chapter 5: The first major conflict arises when our wizard protagonist's clan discovers his relationship with the sorceress and forbids him from seeing her.
Chapter 6: The sorceress' clan also discovers their relationship and the two clans begin to escalate their hostility towards each other.
Chapter 7: The couple's secret meetings become riskier as they try to find a way to be together without causing a war between their clans.
Chapter 8: A powerful sorcerer from our wizard protagonist's clan threatens the couple and warns them to end their relationship.
Chapter 9: Our protagonist turns to an older, wiser wizard for advice on how to navigate the dangerous politics of their clans.
Chapter 10: Our couple is caught in a dangerous ambush by members of the sorceress' clan who disapprove of their relationship.
Chapter 11: The sorceress' clan accuses our wizard protagonist of using dark magic to seduce her and threatens to retaliate.
Chapter 12: The couple decides to seek refuge in a neutral territory and try to find a way to resolve the conflict peacefully.
Chapter 13: Our protagonist discovers a sinister plot by a dark force that threatens both clans and realizes that they must work together to stop it.
Chapter 14: The couple's efforts to bring their clans together are met with resistance and suspicion from both sides.
Chapter 15: Our wizard protagonist and the sorceress embark on a dangerous mission to uncover the dark force's plans.
Chapter 16: The couple faces their greatest challenge yet as they confront the dark force and its powerful minions.
Chapter 17: Our couple must fight for their lives as they face overwhelming odds, but their love gives them the strength to prevail.
Chapter 18: The couple is hailed as heroes for saving their clans from the dark force, but their victory comes at a great cost.
Chapter 19: Our couple is finally able to publicly declare their love for each other, and their clans agree to a truce.
Chapter 20: The novel ends with our couple looking forward to a future together, as they embark on a new journey filled with hope and promise.
Great job! Now, for the final step: take each chapter and create a bullet-pointed outline of what you want to happen in it. This will help make your life easier when you begin writing the actual story because you'll already know what you need to write, and you just need to turn it into beautiful prose. But, Yes there is a but, If you just like to let the creative juices flow and don't want to write so rigidly, like I do, skip it. I personally just write the one or two sentences for my chapter when I build an outline, and then I just go for it.
Chapter One: A Meeting of Hearts
The chapter opens with our young wizard protagonist, whose name is Aaron, attending his morning training session at the wizard academy.
During a break, Aaron wanders off into the forest for some quiet reflection and stumbles upon a clearing filled with glowing mushrooms.
As he investigates the mushrooms, Aaron is startled by a rustling in the nearby bushes and turns to see a young woman emerge.
The young woman introduces herself as Lyra, a powerful sorceress from a rival clan.
Despite the tensions between their clans, Aaron and Lyra are immediately drawn to each other and begin to chat.
Aaron discovers that Lyra is at the academy to research a powerful spell that could help her clan in their ongoing conflict with Aaron's clan.
Aaron offers to help Lyra with her research, and they agree to meet secretly to work on the spell together.
As Aaron leaves the clearing, he realizes that he is falling for Lyra and wonders how he will be able to reconcile his feelings with his loyalty to his clan.
The chapter ends with Aaron returning to the academy, his thoughts consumed by thoughts of Lyra and the dangerous path they are embarking on.
By the way, in case you were wondering, the story we've been working on is a fantasy romance. Once you've completed outlining each chapter, congratulations, you've successfully outlined your novel! Now, let's move on to the next step: creating characters. You might be wondering why I saved this for after the plot section instead of before, but everyone has their own approach. Personally, I like to create my characters as I'm outlining my novel and really flesh them out while writing my first draft. Then, I use my second draft to make sure that the characters remain consistent throughout the book.
Characters
We've made it to the last section of our basic outline! As a writer, I prefer to develop my characters alongside my plot rather than before it. I start with some basic character details and adjust them as needed to fit the story. Sometimes, characters I initially thought were essential end up being cut, while others I created on a whim end up becoming integral to the plot. For example, in my current work in progress, I created a childhood friend of the main character on a whim, but he ended up becoming an antagonist who will go through a redemption arc and a friends-to-enemies-to-friends trope.
When it comes to creating your characters, there are some essential details you'll want to have nailed down. But don't worry, it's not necessary to have everything figured out until you finish your first draft. Just make sure you have all the important information for your main characters sorted out by the time you start working on your second draft. It's crucial to make sure your characters remain consistent throughout the story and that their actions and thoughts align with their established traits. After all, you don't want to project your own desires onto them - that's not good writing.
When it comes to creating your characters, there are some basic details you'll want to include, like their name and a brief history that matches their personality. For example, it might not make sense for a character with a tragic past to be overly optimistic and carefree all the time, not unless they're pretending.
List a few key traits that define your character's personality, such as being gruff yet secretly caring or sarcastic and cold. You don't need to create a whole resume, just a few words will do. As you write, you might find yourself adding more details to your character's personality, habits, or preferences, so make sure to jot them down.
Another important aspect is their appearance. Decide on this early on and make sure to note it down. You don't want to have to search through all your chapters to remember what your own character looks like! These are the basics, but there are three more things I want to mention that can help flesh out your character even more.
Outer conflict
Outer conflict is basically the challenges and hurdles that a character faces in their environment. It plays a significant role in the story as it generates suspense and propels the plot forward. The external obstacles that a character can encounter are diverse and varied, like dealing with natural disasters, social norms, cultural differences, achieving goals, or fighting against an adversary.
Moreover, the outer conflict can help to shape a character's personality and traits. As the character copes with and conquers obstacles, readers get to know their strengths, weaknesses, and motivations. This allows readers to form a deeper connection with the character and become more invested in their journey.
Furthermore, external conflicts can also symbolize inner turmoil. The external obstacles that a character faces can be a representation of the internal struggles they are going through, like battling fears or doubts. This creates a powerful emotional impact on readers and helps to convey crucial themes and messages.
Here are twenty examples of outer conflict:
A character struggling to survive in a post-apocalyptic world.
A character facing a physical illness or disability that limits their abilities.
A character fighting for justice against a corrupt system or organization.
A character facing discrimination or prejudice based on their race, gender, or other identity.
A character trying to escape a dangerous situation or person.
A character facing environmental or natural disasters.
A character navigating a war or political conflict.
A character struggling with addiction or substance abuse.
A character facing financial ruin or bankruptcy.
A character dealing with the aftermath of a traumatic event.
A character struggling to balance their personal and professional lives.
A character facing a difficult decision that could have major consequences.
A character in a survival situation in the wilderness or at sea.
A character trying to break free from a toxic relationship.
A character dealing with the consequences of a mistake or poor decision.
A character facing a physical or mental challenge or disability.
A character struggling to protect their family or loved ones from harm.
A character trying to survive in a hostile or unfamiliar environment.
A character dealing with the loss of a loved one or grieving.
A character facing betrayal or deception from someone they trust.
Inner Conflict
Inner conflict is a crucial element of a story that delves into the psychological and emotional struggles that a character experiences. It's the battle between their desires and their values, their fears and aspirations, or what they want versus what they know is right. This struggle is what creates tension, complexity, and depth in a character, making them more relatable and interesting to readers. By exploring the character's inner conflict, readers gain insights into their motives, thoughts, and emotions, allowing for character development and growth.
Take J.D. Salinger's "The Catcher in the Rye" for instance, where Holden Caulfield grapples with an inner conflict of wanting to preserve the innocence of childhood and yet desiring to mature and grow up. This conflict leads to his erratic behavior and search for meaning and purpose.
Similarly, in F. Scott Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby," Jay Gatsby faces an inner conflict of wanting to win back his lost love, Daisy, while also grappling with the fact that she is married to someone else. This inner conflict ultimately leads to his downfall and tragic end.
As demonstrated in these examples, inner conflict drives the plot, develops characters, and adds depth to their motivations and struggles.
Here are 20 examples of inner conflict:
Fear of failure
Insecurity
Lack of self-confidence
Difficulty making decisions
Guilt over past actions
Jealousy or envy
Grief over loss or trauma
Difficulty with vulnerability or trust
Struggle with addiction or temptation
Confusion over personal identity or purpose
Struggle with one's own morality or ethics
Difficulty with forgiveness or letting go
Shame over past actions or experiences
Struggle with self-acceptance or self-love
Difficulty with emotional intimacy or connection
Conflict with personal beliefs or values
Struggle with one's own mortality or purpose in life
Difficulty with facing the truth or reality of a situation
Struggle with balancing personal desires with the needs of others
Conflict between personal ambition and loyalty to others.
As a writer, it's important to understand how to weave outer and inner conflict together to create a compelling and multidimensional character in your story. Outer conflict provides the external challenges and obstacles that the character must face and overcome, driving the plot forward. On the other hand, inner conflict gives readers a window into the character's thoughts, feelings, and motivations.
The two types of conflict can also inform and influence each other. Inner conflict can affect how a character responds to outer conflict, and vice versa. For instance, if a character is struggling with self-doubt, this may make it harder for them to face a physical challenge presented as an outer conflict. Similarly, if a character is facing an outer conflict like a life-threatening situation, this may trigger an inner conflict related to their deepest fears and desires. The interplay between inner and outer conflict can lead to character growth, as the character learns to face their fears, confront their weaknesses, and achieve their goals.
By using both types of conflict effectively, you can create a character that is not only relatable and interesting, but also one that readers can root for as they navigate the challenges of your story.
Here is a list of 28 ways outer and inner conflict can interplay with each other:
A character with a fear of failure (inner conflict) must overcome obstacles to achieve their goal (outer conflict).
A character struggling with addiction (inner conflict) must face consequences of their behavior that endanger their loved ones (outer conflict).
A character dealing with trust issues (inner conflict) must work with a partner they don't trust (outer conflict).
A character struggling with guilt (inner conflict) must clear their name and prove their innocence (outer conflict).
A character struggling with self-doubt (inner conflict) must take on a leadership role to save their community (outer conflict).
A character who is closed-off emotionally (inner conflict) must learn to trust and open up to their love interest (outer conflict).
A character with a tendency to control others (inner conflict) must learn to work in a team and share responsibility (outer conflict).
A character struggling with their identity (inner conflict) must navigate a world that doesn't accept their identity (outer conflict).
A character dealing with trauma (inner conflict) must confront the source of their trauma to overcome it (outer conflict).
A character struggling with commitment issues (inner conflict) must make a difficult decision that affects their relationship (outer conflict).
A character with a lack of self-worth (inner conflict) must prove to themselves and others that they are capable (outer conflict).
A character struggling with loss (inner conflict) must learn to move on and find purpose in life again (outer conflict).
A character with a need for control (inner conflict) must learn to let go and trust others (outer conflict).
A character dealing with past mistakes (inner conflict) must confront those they have wronged and seek redemption (outer conflict).
A character struggling with their beliefs (inner conflict) must stand up for what they believe in despite opposition (outer conflict).
A character who is closed off from the world (inner conflict) must open up and make new connections to achieve their goal (outer conflict).
A character struggling with a lack of direction (inner conflict) must find purpose in their life and pursue it (outer conflict).
A character with a history of abuse (inner conflict) must confront their abuser to achieve closure (outer conflict).
A character struggling with their sexuality (inner conflict) must come out and face the social consequences of their identity (outer conflict).
A character with a need for revenge (inner conflict) must overcome their desire for revenge to achieve a greater goal (outer conflict).
A character struggling with their family history (inner conflict) must confront the past to move forward (outer conflict).
A character with a fear of the unknown (inner conflict) must step out of their comfort zone to achieve their goal (outer conflict).
A character struggling with their past (inner conflict) must come to terms with it in order to move forward (outer conflict).
A character with a lack of trust in others (inner conflict) must work with a team to achieve their goal (outer conflict).
A character struggling with their identity (inner conflict) must confront the expectations of others to find their true self (outer conflict).
A character with a tendency to self-sabotage (inner conflict) must overcome their negative patterns to achieve success (outer conflict).
A character struggling with mental illness (inner conflict) must overcome the stigma associated with their illness (outer conflict).
A character with a need for control (inner conflict) must learn to accept and adapt to unforeseen circumstances (outer conflict).
Character Growth
As a story progresses, the characters within it can undergo a significant transformation that we refer to as character growth. This growth can manifest itself in various ways, including changes in beliefs, values, behaviors, or relationships.
By portraying a character's growth, a writer can create a sense of depth and nuance that makes them more relatable and interesting to the reader. Furthermore, character growth is instrumental in driving the plot forward, as the changes experienced by the character often create new conflicts and challenges that must be addressed.
Witnessing a character's growth can be satisfying to the reader, providing them with a sense of catharsis as they watch the character overcome their obstacles and achieve their goals.
Character growth is crucial to the success of a story, and as a writer, it's important to ensure that your main characters evolve and change over the course of the narrative. People naturally experience growth and change in real life, whether it's positive or negative, as they navigate through life's challenges. The same principle applies to your characters.
When you're editing your second or third draft, take a close look at your characters and ensure that their development is evident. Keeping your characters stagnant and unchanged throughout the story isn't realistic and can hinder your reader's connection with them. By allowing your characters to evolve, you create a more relatable and believable story, one that resonates with readers and keeps them engaged until the end.
Here are some examples of good character growth in stories:
Katniss Everdeen in "The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins learns to trust others and become a leader.
Elizabeth Bennet in "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen learns to let go of her prejudices and pride and become more empathetic towards others.
Harry Potter in "Harry Potter" series by J.K. Rowling learns to face his fears and take responsibility for his actions.
Frodo Baggins in "The Lord of the Rings" by J.R.R. Tolkien learns to sacrifice his own desires for the greater good.
Elinor Dashwood in "Sense and Sensibility" by Jane Austen learns to express her emotions and become more open.
Holden Caulfield in "The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger learns to let go of his cynicism and find a sense of hope.
Ponyboy Curtis in "The Outsiders" by S.E. Hinton learns to appreciate the value of family and friends.
Scout Finch in "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee learns to see the world from other people's perspectives and become more tolerant.
Andy Dufresne in "The Shawshank Redemption" by Stephen King learns to never give up hope and find redemption.
Hester Prynne in "The Scarlet Letter" by Nathaniel Hawthorne learns to stand up for herself and live on her own terms.
Jean Valjean in "Les Misérables" by Victor Hugo learns to find forgiveness and redemption through selflessness.
Atticus Finch in "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee learns to fight for justice and become a role model for his children.
Bilbo Baggins in "The Hobbit" by J.R.R. Tolkien learns to step out of his comfort zone and embrace adventure.
Sydney Carton in "A Tale of Two Cities" by Charles Dickens learns to find a sense of purpose and redemption through self-sacrifice.
John Proctor in "The Crucible" by Arthur Miller learns to stand up for his beliefs and fight for what is right.
Scarlett O'Hara in "Gone with the Wind" by Margaret Mitchell learns to become more self-reliant and resourceful.
Charles Ryder in "Brideshead Revisited" by Evelyn Waugh learns to find a sense of meaning and purpose in life.
Captain Ahab in "Moby-Dick" by Herman Melville learns to confront his own obsession and find a sense of closure.
Marianne Dashwood in "Sense and Sensibility" by Jane Austen learns to find a balance between emotional and rational thinking.
Scout in "Go Set a Watchman" by Harper Lee learns to see her father, Atticus Finch, as a human being and understand his flaws.
Great news, you made it to the end of the basic novel outline! This is all you need to get started on writing your novel, and I'm excited for you to begin. Let's quickly recap what you'll need for your outline: a genre and sub-genre, a trope, a target audience, a word count, a chapter count, a two-sentence plot description, a more detailed plot description that covers the beginning, middle, and end of your story, and a chapter-by-chapter outline. For your characters, you'll need to include their names, brief histories, physical descriptions, personalities, outer conflicts, inner conflicts, and character growth. Once you have all of this information, you'll be ready to start writing your novel. Congratulations again, and happy writing!
Next up we'll be going into a bit more detail that focuses on world-building for fantasy or science fiction stories, anything that requires deeper world-building than a romance or regular modern paranormal fiction.
Going on from here, I won't be as detailed with explanations, what I'll be providing is mostly just information you need to get and it doesn't involve much hard research.
Races
Physical Traits:
Physical traits can play a huge role in creating unique and memorable fantasy races. By giving a race its own set of distinctive physical features, an author can make it stand out from other races and help it come to life within the story.
But physical traits aren't just about making a race look cool or interesting - they can also inform other aspects of a race's culture and history, making the story even more immersive and engaging. For example, a race with wings might have a rich history of flight, while a race with a natural resistance to fire might have developed unique technologies or traditions to harness that ability.
Religion:
Have you ever thought about the role of religion in a fantasy world? In many cases, it can provide a sense of depth and purpose to a race's way of life. Religion can shape everything from their beliefs and values to their traditions and customs, and even affect their interactions with other races and their environment.
By incorporating religion into your world-building, you can create a rich tapestry of different beliefs and practices that can help to shape the personalities of your characters. Whether it's through the way they approach challenges or the values they hold dear, religion can be a powerful tool for creating a unique and engaging fantasy race.
Here are something to think on while creating religions:
Deities and Mythology
A. Different gods and goddesses
B. Creation myths and legends
C. Supernatural forces and entities
Religious Institutions
A. Temples, shrines, and other holy sites
B. Religious leaders and hierarchies
C. Religious ceremonies and rituals
Beliefs and Values
A. Moral and ethical codes
B. Attitudes towards magic and other supernatural elements
C. Relationship between religion and politics, culture, and society
Religious Conflict and Cooperation
A. Religious differences and conflicts
B. Religious tolerance and cooperation
C. How religion impacts relationships and diplomacy between different societies
Culture:
Do you love exploring imaginary worlds filled with magic and wonder? If so, you'll know that culture plays a huge role in bringing these fantastic places to life. In a fantasy world, culture encompasses everything from shared beliefs and customs to art and social practices. By creating unique and vibrant cultures for each race and society, we can make these worlds feel alive and believable.
To craft a compelling culture for a fantasy world, we need to take into account many factors, such as the geography and climate of the world, the history and mythology of its inhabitants, and their level of technology. For example, if a society lives in a cold, mountainous region, they might have adapted their clothing and transportation to suit their environment.
In a well-crafted fantasy world, each race and society should have its own distinct culture that enriches the story and makes it more immersive. From the way they view concepts like honor and loyalty to the way they celebrate holidays and mark significant life events
Things to think on while creating cultures:
Beliefs and Values
A. Religious and spiritual beliefs
B. Moral and ethical values
C. Attitudes towards magic and other supernatural elements
Social Structure
A. Different classes and social groups
B. Power dynamics and hierarchies
C. Customs and traditions related to marriage, family, and social interaction
Art and Aesthetics
A. Literature, music, and art
B. Fashion and clothing styles
C. Architectural and design styles
Technology and Industry
A. Tools and weapons
B. Transportation and communication
C. Economic systems and trade
Language:
Language plays a crucial role in creating immersive and believable worlds. Language shapes the way people interact with each other and their environment, and can reflect the history, mythology, and values of a particular race or society.
In a well-crafted fantasy world, each race or society should have its own unique language or languages. This adds depth and complexity to the world, with the creation of new words, phrases, and even alphabets to reflect each race's unique linguistic characteristics.
Language can also be used to explore themes and ideas central to the story. For instance, the language used by those in power may reflect the power dynamic and make it difficult for the commoners to understand. In addition, language can create a sense of mystery and otherness. A completely invented language can make a fantasy race feel alien and distinct.
Furthermore, language can be used as a storytelling device, with characters translating between languages or struggling to communicate with other races. This can create tension, conflict, and opportunities for characters to learn about different cultures and deepen their understanding of the world around them.
Keep in mind that not every fantasy world or story needs detailed languages. If you prefer not to include them, that's okay too! However, if you're interested in exploring languages in your story, here are some factors to consider.
Language Families
A. Different language families and their characteristics
B. Historical and cultural factors influencing language development
C. How languages relate to one another
Written and Spoken Languages
A. Different writing systems and their evolution
B. Spoken language and dialects
C. How language shapes communication and relationships
Language Acquisition and Learning
A. How characters learn new languages
B. Cultural attitudes towards language learning
C. The role of language in education and society
Translation and Interpretation
A. How characters translate and interpret languages
B. The challenges of language barriers
C. The importance of accurate translation in diplomacy and trade
Magic
Having mystical abilities such as magic, mana, or superpowers can add excitement and intrigue to your story, but it's important to be mindful of how you use them. Many writers fall into the trap of creating limitless magical powers for their characters, which can make the story feel unrealistic and unsatisfying. To avoid this, it's helpful to answer a few questions about your magic system.
First, how does it work? It's important to understand the ins and outs of your magic system so that you can write your characters using it realistically. Knowing the mechanics of your magic system will prevent you from simply having your character magically power up in a crucial moment to get out of a tough situation.
Second, who can have it? Is there a criteria for who can use the magic or powers? Understanding why certain characters have magical abilities will prevent you from creating random characters that have the ability, and will also give your readers more information about your characters.
Third, what are the rules and limitations? Are there rules in your world about how the magic system should and should not be used? Are there physical limitations to what your characters can do? Setting rules and limitations will stop you from overpowering your character and will add conflict and tension to your story.
Additionally, it's important to consider how the general population feels about magic. Are there people who are against it, who hunt or experiment on those who possess it? Are magical individuals adored or seen as gods? Understanding how your world views magic will add depth and complexity to your story and create opportunities for conflict and tension. By considering these factors, you can create a well-rounded and engaging magic system that adds to the richness of your fantasy world.
Here is a summery and some additional facts to think on when creating a magic system:
Types of Magic
A. Elemental magic
B. Divine magic
C. Necromancy and dark magic
D. Witchcraft and sorcery
Magic Mechanics
A. How magic works in the world
B. Limits and drawbacks to using magic
C. How magic can be learned or inherited
D. How magic can be controlled or regulated
Magic Users
A. Different types of magic users
B. Training and education for magic users
C. Magic user communities and organizations
Magic in Society
A. How magic impacts society and culture
B. Magic in law and politics
C. Magic in economics and trade
Magic in Conflict and Cooperation
A. How magic can cause conflicts and tensions
B. How magic can be used for diplomacy and alliances
C. How magic can be used to resolve conflicts
History
Incorporating a world history into your story is an excellent way to add depth and richness to your world-building. By establishing a history, you can develop your world's cultures and religions, and intertwine it with your plot for added complexity. However, it's not necessary to have a history for the entire world's creation - just a basic overview of the setting where your story takes place is sufficient.
Another helpful aspect to include in your world-building is myths, lore, and major events that have shaped festivals or important days in your world. Additionally, highlighting significant historical figures can also provide valuable context for your story.
While it's not essential to introduce this information at the beginning of your story, it's a good idea to flesh out these details during revisions to ensure a cohesive and well-rounded world. This can help maintain consistency throughout your story and enhance the overall reading experience for your audience.
If you are creating an entire world history. Here are some things to think on:
Creation Myth and Cosmology
A. Explanation of the world's creation myth
B. Introduction of the cosmology of the world
Early Civilizations and Kingdoms
A. The rise of early civilizations and kingdoms
B. Development of early cultures and their impact on the world
Major Historical Events
A. Wars and conflicts
B. Great discoveries and inventions
C. Natural disasters and calamities
Key Figures in History
A. Heroes and heroines
B. Villains and antagonists
C. Leaders and rulers
Religion and Spirituality
A. Explanation of the major religions and spiritual beliefs in the world
B. Impact of religion and spirituality on world events and culture
Technology and Advancements
A. Advancements in science and technology
B. Development of new magic and spells
Current State of the World
A. The current political and social situation in the world
B. Ongoing conflicts and challenges
C. Future possibilities for the world
Geography
Understanding the visual aspects of your story's setting is a valuable tool for crafting a rich and immersive world. By knowing the geography, you can better visualize how your characters will interact with their surroundings, what they'll wear, and what they'll eat. It can also play a major role in shaping the culture of the people inhabiting your world.
The geography of your world can even influence the physical characteristics of certain races, like those living near a volcano who may have tough, scaly skin to resist heat. Some key factors to consider when developing the geography of your world include the landscape, climate, weather patterns, natural resources, and the types of food available to your characters. These details can all work together to bring your world to life and make it feel like a fully-realized place with a unique identity.
Things to think on while creating your world geography:
Physical Features
A. Landforms such as mountains, forests, and rivers
B. Climate and weather patterns
C. Natural resources and their distribution
Political Boundaries
A. Different regions and territories
B. Borders, boundaries, and conflicts
C. How politics and culture influence geography
Cultural Landscapes
A. Architecture and building styles
B. Cultural and religious sites
C. Impact of culture and history on the physical landscape
Mystical and Supernatural Features
A. Magic and other supernatural elements
B. Divine or cursed locations
C. How these features shape the world
Politics
In the world of writing, it's easy to think that politics don't matter, especially when you're starting out. However, this is far from the truth. As you craft your story, there will come a point where your character will need to make a decision that affects the people around them. When others either agree or disagree with that decision, you're entering the realm of politics. In its simplest form, politics is all about how groups of people work together to make decisions and get things done. This can involve everything from choosing leaders and making laws to deciding how to use resources. In a fantasy world, politics can take on a different flavor. Different races and groups of creatures might be vying for control of territory or trying to gain power or fight for their rights.
The Players
A. Different races and societies
B. Leaders and powerful figures
C. Factions, alliances, and conflicts
The Systems
A. Government and governance
B. Laws and regulations
C. Use of magic and supernatural powers
The Issues
A. Resource allocation
B. Territorial disputes
C. Power struggles and control
There are a lot of different factors that can affect politics in your fantasy world, and it's important to consider how your characters and societies will respond to them. Whether they're fighting for their rights, negotiating deals, or making compromises, the decisions they make will shape the world you're creating. So take some time to think about these things and how they'll impact your story
Technology
It's important to consider the level of advancement in your fantasy world. For example, if you're writing an old world fantasy kingdom, but there is technology present, your readers will likely be curious about where it came from, how it was developed, and who created it. Make sure to address these questions in your world-building
Here are some things to think on while working on technology for your world:
Types of Technology
A. Explanation of various types of technology in the world
B. Magic and technology: their relationship and interaction
Evolution of Technology
A. The history of technology in the world
B. Key figures and events that drove technological progress
The Creation and Distribution of Technology
A. Who creates technology in the world
B. How technology is distributed throughout the world
C. Economic and social factors that impact technology development
The Impacts of Technology
A. Positive and negative impacts of technology on society and culture
B. Environmental impacts of technology
Limitations of Technology
A. Constraints on technology development
B. Limitations on the use of technology
Future of Technology
A. Speculation on the future of technology in the world
B. Potential implications for the world and its inhabitants
That's it! We are done! Cheers everyone! Great job on completing your detailed outline! Here's a recap of all the elements you should include: First, choose your genre, trope, target audience, and set a word and chapter count. Define your plot in 2-3 sentences, then expand it and break it down into beginning, middle, and end. Then create a chapter-by-chapter outline. For your characters, give them names, a brief history, physical descriptions, personality traits, conflicts, and character growth.
When it comes to world building, describe the geography and how it affects culture, politics, and history. Provide an overview of the various cultures, their practices and beliefs, and how they impact character interactions. Explain the political landscape, the systems, structures, and how they affect characters. Develop the world's history, including key events and figures that shaped it and how it affects the current state of the world.
Include an overview of the magical and technological systems in the world, how they interact, and their limitations and implications. Discuss the various religions, their beliefs and practices, and how they impact characters. Provide an overview of the languages spoken in the world and how they affect interactions between characters. Lastly, describe the various creatures and races in the world, their physical characteristics, cultural practices, and how they interact with each other and with humans.
For convenience, here is a scrivener template created with this style in mind and all the research is included in the template's resource folder. It's free, so don't stress and Download. Note that this is a google drive link. Simply Download and import into scrivener as a template.
Looking forward to seeing you again in the future! If you love fantasy, check out my free novel! HERE.
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Log 22: Tools of the Trade
While the others were being prepared for their battle against El Nino; Wick, Moors and Tulio were headed back to Gus' bunker for extra help.
Driving out into the desert range, it was a race against time, the team weren't sure what was to happen, but they had to react quickly.
For it could already be too late.
"Gus should have some idea how to break into the place. Based on my readings, the facility is six stories deep. Something tells me it ain't for the public either, also.....they mentioned something about this "El Nino" guy, something tells me he's the main attraction to whomever is behind all this", Moors explained.
"Wait, I thought El Nino's fights were at South Point, how the hell could he not be for the public? I see his ads all the time.", Tulio asked as he was looking around the back of the truck, wondering why would they need so much tech.
Wick had been formulating what...or ...who El'Nino was. He was nearly unconscious when he had heard of this name, but he had heard it being muttered by the mystery buyer. "There's a likely chance it's an actor. One for the public, one for the intended audience.".
Tulio was putting two and two together, "oooooh like some illegal fighting ring? Oh that makes sense, back in Mexico city a few years back, Lucha Libre was banned for some time, it when underground and became an illegal fighting competition. Then after it had gotten popular again, it wasn't banned anymore.".
"hmmm ....I'm not sure if it's like that, but it's definitely underground.", Moors stops the truck at the same abandoned gas pump, rolled down his window to clown. "Gus! You there buddy?".
The intercom turned on with a sputtering crackle, "Welcome back to Gassy Gus's Gas Pump! I'll be right there!", as the intercom turned off, Gus happily hobbled out of the men's room this time. "Well by Orson Welles! Moors you're back! How'd it go?", giving gleeful bangs on the sides of truck. "Eh funny, you got enough gas?".
"Gus! We need some of your.... experience....you still have that drilling equipment?", Moors asked with a sly grin.
Gus' face stretched into a manic smile, "OOOH BOY HOWDY I DO, where too.", Moors in the past has employed Gus for a verity of covert excavation projects, considering one of the best types of jobs Gus had in his youth was a coal miner and a non-certified geologist. "Oooooh I can smell the iron rich, quartz deposits already.", rubbing his hands together in anticipation.
"Now Gus, we need the big guns. We have no idea what could be down in this place. I recon it's security is in-between government level and that Security Containm-", Gus sticks his hand out.
"Say no more! Now let me gather the gear and get coordinates and pinpoint the best spot!", Moors was more then welcome to oblige to giving Gus some of the information from last night.
Wick, getting understandably impatient, decided to go up to the front seat and talk to Gus himself, "Excuse me G-", Wick peered out from Moors' side, as he showed his face Gus pointed at him in surprise.
"Gah! Moors I didn't know you knew the Grey from Sector 17-M! It's a pleasure to finally welcome you to Earth great ones!", Gus bowed in a Y stance.
Moors wasn't too surprised about this and turned to Wick, expressionless and confused. "Ugh oh yeah I never told you Gus is a "Intergalactic Enthusiast", he loves anything from ugh...outer space...he thinks your this thing.", he takes out one of his car key charms and shows a little iconic black eyed, green alien.
Wick, looking at the charm with absolute apathy, "....he thinks I'm a Xenos?", he looks to Moors giving an awkward smile.
"yeah, just please go with it.", continuing the smile.
"Fine, Gus we genuinely need to hasten this mission. There is not just our comrades, but another civilian likely involved. We need to be careful and swift, for this could spell disaster for her.", Wick looked at him sternly.
Gus looked back at Wick, "...her?", and gave a hard salute, "Than I shall help rescue your mate too!", Moors was doing everything in his power to hold back the laughter while Wick had shown some semblance of color to his usually pale complexion with a flooded blush for the first time in his life.
"Well no time to waste! Come on down to my secret abode!", he ran back into the men's room, activating a secret underground ramp to his own abandoned government bunker.
"Hehehe, you're all going to love this.", Moors chuckled.
Tulio, who has been watching this from the back of the truck, was astounding. "Wick? You're an alien? I thought you did like...body mods or something.", he asked gingerly, only realizing the insane reality of this situation.
"..... we're from 'outspace', but we're not 'aliens'... we're just as human as you are.", Wick answered begrudgingly.
Tulio for the first time actually took a good hard look at Wick and Moors, contemplating what Wick has said, "well....you guys seem alot more of something else. Most people don't look like you guys.", he hesitantly spoke.
Those words stuck with the two marines, Tulio was not wrong to say what he said, his observation wasn't inaccurate either. Giving in considering that Sleen had at some point called the others 'Steers', and all the stares from strangers where ever they went. It was clear as Astartes, they were much more then men, they were something else alongside that 'man', something mortals on Earth do not consider normal to their standards.
Whether it is something to marvel, or something to exploit....is completely dependent on the situation.
Slowly driving down the ramp, lights started to illuminate the runway, showing a set of dusty, unused military jeeps.
As they parked the car, Tulio and Wick stepped out from the back truck.
"Hold it!", Gus croaked. He took out a lead pipe with wires and a light attached to it, waved around Tulio and Wick. "Hmmm.....gramifier is not picking anything up. Good.", he than takes out a gypsum rod. Waving it around. "Vibes check out". Gives a stern look at both, then a bright smile. "Welcome, to Casa de Gus! Where the finest of equipment can be hehe, redistributed for any intergalactic purposes!".
Tulio was a bit stunned at all of this, "ay... gringo loco.". He quietly grumbled to himself.
The four walked down to a large hanger full of hi tech government issued weaponry, vehicles, Gus's collection of space memorabilia, one rocket booster that had been unceremoniously removed from a crash site, and a small living space for Gus.
"Bruh, you call this a bunker?! This is like, a secret lair or something. Are you like...an ex-fed or something?", Tulio looked around in amazement.
Moors was browsing for anything new Gus could have taken in the recent decade, "hmmm ...Gus, where did you get this?", pointing at a very suspicious container with a familiar label that was commonly found on much of Fort Dorn's stolen vehicles.
Gus jingled his way to Moors, "hmmm....oh yes, got this baby back in '09, those secret organization guys again....they were chasing the running headlights I told you 'bout. You know...the ones with legs.", Gus was referring to the rumors of unknown creature with what people have claimed is one large luminous eye, mimicking a car headlight. Obviously, Moors didn't believe in such creatures.
"oh...you do realize they probably want this thing back right?", Moors warns him.
"...hmmm...nah I'll keep it, anyway! Here's what y'all need!", Gus leads the trio to a large shelf of items, "I hope y'all brought your armor too. Some of these additions will be perfect! Drills, disrupter signals, the ever important rubber duck and this!", Gus picks up what looks like a small speaker, "I call it, the "Siren", play this lil'beaut and it will blast someone's ear drums.".
Wick was examining some of the items, most of which were stolen from the Government, others likely from experimental labs, "....we will likely only need to break in...have heavy cover and a distraction....Tulio, you will be on integral part of this mission.", he turned to Tulio with confidence.
Tulio, although way in over his head in this situation, was more than happy to assist. "You can count on me homes.", he says with a grin.
"well, I'm not certain if I'll need.my armor, speaking of which where's your armor Wick? I doubt you took a flight here....", Moors asked.
Wick had nearly forgotten about his armor, he had left it at the Air Force hanger near the city. "....oh...Moors, thanks for reminding me.....how about we also get these bottom feeders in a....predicament with the government?", he looked at Moors.
"I mean we can, but I'm certain they'll track us down.", Moors responded.
Gus chuckled a little, "nah, I have the tools of the trade, I know a few whistle blowers who will do a fine job at diverting attention away from y'all."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
In the underground holding facility, the others were contemplating their escape. Meanwhile, Sten was pawing this "Big Joe", for more information.
"Big Joe, I am curious as to how long have you been here....it must have been for some time I assume?", although there was no point in looking up at the ceiling of his cell, it was better than activating the bars.
"yeah, I've been for a bit. Funny enough, this is the second time I've been trapped here....the first place really bummed me out.", Joe's cadence was more casual than most of the other Astartes. His diction even felt like it was loosened.
Tilting his head, he wondered what was he referring to, "....was it another government facility?", he didn't know if this Joe was another psyker like him. So he did not want to force himself into his mind.
"Yeah, but this place was WAY more lock tight. Imagine being treated like an animal that can talk or something....they did some weird tests. At first I didn't understand what they were saying, than they thought me to speak their dialect of Gothic, then English....that's where things got interesting....there so many interviews and questions.... medical examinations.....then....they started to send these orange cladded fellows with weapons.... obviously I killed them...it's not like I was going to let them get the upper hand....than....I met one of their scientists....what a doll......miss her a lot really...", Joe reminisced on that thought for a while. "...we sort of began meeting secretly...til they cought us. I never her saw again after that ....but it's weird because I could tell she was still there! She was still in that place, but something about her biological began to change, I could smell it. Lucky for me the place wasn't completely airtight. It was all that kept me going for a little....than.... something happened...", he stopped for a few seconds.
It was clear to Sten something about Joe's story felt empty, it seems Joe hadn't disclosed one important detail. "...What Chapter do you belong to, Joe?".
There was a pregnant pause, something that Sten had become wary of.
".......why.", Joe replied dryly.
"You should be comfortable with tell us....", while Sten remarked, he had felt that there was something he could do to find out for himself, specifically on his belt.
His belt buckle was a wide, military standard, silver colored buckle. He quietly took it off to shine it as much as he could, the reflection wasn't perfect, but it would suffice.
He stuck the buckle at an angle that Joe wouldn't notice, he could see that Joe wasn't wearing any armor, he had his back turned facing a mirror, his back not only had scars from previous fights in the facility, but also telltale signs of medical experimentation. Joe hadn't noticed the small mirror in the corner of cell peaking.
Unfortunately, someone else had. On the other side of the holding blocks, a security room was watching the Marines in the holding cell.
The security guard lazily sees Sten holding something. "Oh geez, I'm gonna have to take that from him aren't I...", he lumbered out of his seat and headed straight to the cells.
"Hey! You there! Whats you got there!?", the security guard casually pointed his gun at Sten, he knew that conventional bullets wouldn't actually hurt these guys. It was comparable to rubber bullets.
Joe had turned around out of curiosity, Sten could see Joe's face for the first time.
He had a large scar across his neck, as if something big had attempted to bite down. Dark brown hair, closer to black than it was brown. And crimson red eyes.
"Hmm...", Sten drank in as much of the visage as possible.
"HEY! Beardo! Quit that!", the guard took out a cattle prod and stuck right into Sten's arm.
A strong shock flowed through his shoulders, "RRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH!", what sounded like a roar reverberated.
The chaos Marines on the opposite side aroused with excitement. Hollering and growling.
"Sten! What's happening?!", Cahrilo shout, "HEY knock it off!".
The guard has held his position and completely ignored them. Suddenly, Joe reached out, grabbed the guard by the arm.... crushing his forearm in the process. Lifted him to the bars.
Electrocuting him as Joe pulled the guard into the bars.
The screams echoed, the chaos Marines cheering.
The cattle prod had fell on the floor, thinking quickly, Sten recovered what he had left of the shock to quickly get the prod.
Hiding it in his pants.
Joe dropped the guard's corpse, and went on with what he was doing. "You better behave now bud. Or you'll end up like you friend over there.", referring to Bilhard.
Sten quickly got up.
As the foot steps of the other guards come in, pointing their guns at the Marines. One of the guards, likely a mercenary, looked out at the partly chared corpse. "Uuugh, looks like Quincy finally got cocky. Clean it up before the boss gets here. Alright which one of you guys did it?"
The lack of empathy for his fallen comrade was a surprise to the others, he had acted like as if this was a regular occurrence.
"come on guys .....be honest or I'm checking the cameras....and the "buzzer" is in the camera room....yah honestly want to shock you guys or be good boys and say what happened...", the guard instructed callously. "I'm not mad, but my boss will be."
Sten had looked over his shoulder, hoping the guards hadn't seen him steal the prod.
"Ugh it was me Frank.", Joe loomed over the guard in the cell above. "My buddy down here wanted to shake hands, I was about to than the guard just came over.... probably jumped the gun....it self defense on my comrade's behalf.", Joe gave an innocent grin.
The guard looked over at the corpse, than to Sten. "Hmf...fine I'll bite.....I don't want no funny business you hears?", he turned away and helped the other guards clean up the body.
The others were stunned, Toke looked at them drag the body to the other side of the room.
"Which one of you sick bastards wants him?", he banged on one of the cells.
The chaos Marines all began to fight over who got the corpse. Gnashing and attempting to claw at the corpse. No matter how pointless it was.
"YOUR COMRADE JUST DIED. You're just going to feed his body to the corrupted lot?", Toke protested to the guard.
The guard looked back at Toke, "Look, it's not we actually want to be here....yous honestly think we would have taken this shit job for shit pay? Naw, it's too much money to pass up....", he looked to one of the Black Legion Marines, since that one hadn't begged for his food he could have the corpse. As the guard used a code to heavily magnetize the chains on the marine's legs and wrists, more signifying to simply step back for the sake of animalistic obedience, he dragged his coworker's body to the middle, closed the cell behind him and watched as the chaos marine viciously tore into the chest of the corpses, stuffing chunks into his face, chest and pauldron.
".....yet it always feels like it ain't enough money in the world to get someone for tolerate this...."
End of log 22
@kit-williams @barn-anon @egrets-not-regrets @gallifreyianrosearkytiorsusan @walking-natural-disaster @starfrost740 @squishyowl @sleepyfan-blog @lawnchair86
#space marine husbandry#warhammer 40k#space marine#survival log#space marines#space marine husbandry sentience#space wolves#imperial fists#raven guard#word bearers#black legion#writting#fanfiction#action#horror#no trigger warnings
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Why do some people say Izzy is homophobic? Flippant jokes I get, but there are people claiming this seriously. Yes, he's often very mean towards characters who just so happen to be homosexuals... But what in the world would make anyone conclude he's not a perfectly equal-opportunity mean person?!? Same with the racism accusations. Probably preaching to the choir here... And I personally don't even like Izzy (as a person; as a character he's brilliant), but it still gets annoying.
I mean... if the question is whether or not Izzy Hands can plausibly be interpreted as homophobic, then I think the answer is unambiguously yes.
I don't think it was avoidable with the story they are trying to tell. Homophobia is pretty deeply entangled with expressions of masculinity and how people see gay relationships. Izzy's literal purpose as an antagonist is to be so against the BlackBonnet relationship that he was willing to try and get Stede killed over it. And thematically, to do anything interesting with stuff like embracing self-expression or arguing that open honesty and vulnerability are good for people, someone has to fill the role of objector. In a televised medium especially - where you aren't sitting in Izzy's POV and you definitely can't read his mind - there is going to be a level of interpretation to his motivations and what, exactly, he's finding objectionable, and some people will come to the conclusion that he's a homophobe. 🤷♀️
It's a side effect of trying to say something not completely shallow in your writing - you will run up against grey areas and you can't make the audience unanimously stay in the intended track. Multiple plausible interpretations will exist. A character who objects to other masculine characters expressing emotional vulnerability will plausibly be read as homophobic.
It's our job as we watch the show to look at all the plausible interpretations and decide which is the strongest, just like it's the writers' job to make sure their intended interpretation is the one the most audience members settle on. Complete consensus is impossible, so I'm not, like, surprised that some people are sticking to their guns on that one, but I'm still pretty confident Izzy being homophobic will end up the weaker interpretation.
I actually think Izzy being more or less doomed to being plausibly homophobic is what makes the writing for him so good. Because a much easier option, or a weaker writing team, would have gone in on it. Yet another story about homophobes making gays' lives unhappy, only this time the twist is we make the homophobes a punchline. It's way harder and more interesting to pull off an antagonist that hates a gay relationship but is only plausibly homophobic, and there's a perfectly valid and even encouraged read of the show where he's not. That's actually cool (and why I'll be pretty disappointed if it turns out he is just Mr. Internalized Homophobia).
🤔 My more controversial opinion, though, is probably that I think once you get to a certain level of theorizing unconscious / unintended homophobia in fiction then it functionally doesn't exist. That's pretty much what I'm trying to say here. In real life there is some value to recognizing that everyone has some unconscious biases they're probably acting on without realizing, but in a story... if the character / their actions won't be acknowledged or treated as homophobic, or they won't make the leap to homophobia at any point in unpacking or addressing their flaws, and you aren't trying to say anything about the author's personal biases or blindspots coming through? If a tree falls in a fictional universe but nobody writes about it, does it make a sound? Did it even fall?
#our flag means death#izzy hands ofmd#homophobia#this is sort of#death of the author#even though i didn't address it directly#ask#anon#ladyluscinia#i know i can be really bitchy about pushing back on the homophobia meta but it's not because i think it's wildly irrational#it's because 95 percent of it is presented as objective and undeniable fact and refuses to engage with a convincing argument as a result#(and in trying to come up with undeniable evidence we get made up stuff like 'namby-pamby is a historic gay slur'#instead of living with how insulting ed for being weak and vulnerable could mean a OR b and the choice not to use a slur is part of that)
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Best Laid Plans (Nikolai Lantsov/Kaz Brekker)
Happy birthday, Nikki! (@whenshesayshush) It's not the Rivusa story that's still on my backlist but I thought you might appreciate some Bastards Squared™️ as an alternative. ;)
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Pairing: Kaz Brekker/Nikolai Lantsov
Wordcount: 1,055 words
Summary: Nikolai wants Kaz's expertise for a job. Kaz, being Kaz, is suspicious of his motives.
Notes: Set post-S2. Rating is for general audiences. Nothing scandalous but hopefully it's a fun and flirty slowburn. ;) Not beta-ed, and written quite quickly- so if you see any typos or issues, I'll hopefully spot them in subsequent rereads and fix them. 😅
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Kaz was used to dealing with hard men. He was used to dealing with desperate men. He was used to dealing with dangerous and conniving women. This… was not that. And yet, something about the message disconcerted him.
“To my dearest compatriot and underworld mastermind, Kaz Brekker,” he read. He scoffed and set down the message on the table in front of him. Intending to deal with it later, in private. Unfortunately, it caught someone else’s eye.
“Who’s flirting with you now?” Jesper asked, as he peered up from his research into Durast training. They sat together at a shadowy corner table, in the newly-established Crow Club. Waiting for a shipment to come in that afternoon, as they slowly gathered supplies for the indomitable Ice Court heist they were building towards.
“The King of Ravka,” Kaz replied. “And he’s not flirting. He’s asking us to do him a favour.”
Jesper’s face held mild interest as he picked up and scanned the document. “Correction. He’s asking you to do him a favour,” he said. He raised his eyebrows. “And paying not an insignificant amount for it.” His face scrunched up roguishly, and Kaz suddenly knew what he was about to say.
“There’s plenty for us to do here,” he said roughly. “We’re busy.”
Jesper’s elaborate shrug implied otherwise . “All I’m saying is… we won’t be ready to head to Fjerda for another two months. And- I never knew you to turn down such a handsome sum for a job.”
Kaz gave him a hard stare. “The money for the Ravka job has put paid to any delusions of my getting out of bed for anything less than ten million kruge.”
Jesper watched him, a smile playing about his lips. “So… it would be a favour for Nikolai.”
“If I decide to go,” Kaz said, and the finality in his tone helped convince Jesper to drop the conversation. And he didn’t say anything further, not even when Kaz informed him and Wylan and Nina that he’d be away for two weeks, taking care of some business in Ravka.
*
The ship Nikolai sent was opulent and far above his station, but then again- Kaz thought, wasn’t that how the intractable distance set in for the aristocracy? Having no idea of how common folk travelled. No matter that Nikolai had travelled for years incognito as Sturmhond. Kaz was suspicious nonetheless.
*
“You made it!”
Kaz was thrown off guard by the familiarity of Nikolai’s greeting as he disembarked, attempting to not blink owlishly in the harsher Ravkan sun.
“Yes, well.” Kaz cleared his throat. “Your message was quite persuasive.”
“Excellent, I shall have to inform my courtiers that despite appearances otherwise, I can occasionally be both charming and persuasive.” The grin flashing across Nikolai’s face was blinding, causing the corners of his eyes to crinkle, relaxing the royal guise and replacing it with a carefree look that accentuated his good looks.
For a moment, Kaz was worried the King was about to lurch forward and hug him, and he braced himself with his stick for that eventuality, leaning in and debating how best to sidestep it without causing an international incident. Luckily for both of them, Nikolai reined in the impulse.
*
They were eating a meal in a large, side room of the Grand Palace. Zoya, one of Nikolai’s closest advisors, had joined for the first few courses but had begged off as they approached the sixth one. They had spoken on niceties throughout the evening but Kaz was growing tired of the diplomacy. He dropped formalities to expedite the process.
“Nikolai.”
“Brekker.” Nikolai's gaze on him was steady.
“What is the purpose of this visit? I assume it’s not to ply me with Ravkan deserts until I explode.”
Nikolai leaned forward, and winked. “That might be part of it.”
Kaz just looked at him.
Nikolai sighed and unbuttoned his military jacket, pulling out some papers, handing them across the table. “I think we have some issues within the Royal Treasury. I thought a businessman of your… acuity, might help identify where the trail leads.”
Kaz looked over the papers. “You’re being robbed. And none too subtly,” he pointed out within only a few minutes of studying them.
Nikolai’s lips thinned, and he tapped the table. “Tell me the details,” he said impatiently.
“I’ll need to see more documents,” Kaz told him.
They sat together until early hours of the morning, their heads almost touching, as Kaz traced the embezzling scheme that had sunk in, like deep rotted wood, into the Treasury.
As Nikolai set out the last royal order to arrest the Baron who was at the heart of the scheme, Kaz rose from the table. His leg felt stiff from the long hours of sitting, and his head murky from unwinding the plot, and the few cups of wine he’d finally agreed to, after Nikolai had plied it on him unceasingly.
“I’ll get some sleep in my room, and then look to book the next ship out,” he said.
Nikolai’s gaze swung sharply to him. “What do you mean?”
“I mean-” Kaz gestured at the detritus on the table. “I’ve completed your job. There’s no need for me to stick around so I’ll head back to Ketterdam tomorrow.”
Nikolai looked alarmed. “Oh. I’ll pay you, of course. But- you can’t leave, not yet.”
“What’s the reason for me to stay?”’ Kaz asked gruffly.
“I…” For once, Nikolai faltered. “I had some plans- to show you.” He shook his head. “Nevermind.”
There was a moment of silence as Kaz shook his head, trying to make sense of the undercurrents swirling between them.
“No, nevermind,” Nikolai repeated. “Of course, you’re a busy man and you’re needed back in your home city. I should have realised…”
There was a defeated look on his face and suddenly Kaz had his own revelation.
He sighed. “I hate it when Jesper is right.”
“About what?” Nikolai questioned.
“All of this…” Kaz gestured around. “The message, the ship, the easy job where you’re vastly overpaying me. You’re… plotting some kind of relationship development. You’re- flirting with me.” The words were awkward in his mouth.
There was a wary tone to Nikolai’s voice as he replied. “And is Kaz Brekker open to that line of approach?”
Kaz considered. “Well,” he said carefully. “I’m here, aren’t I?
And Nikolai’s resulting smile was more blinding than the Sun Summoner’s light.
#shadow and bone s2#shadow and bone#nikolai lantsov#kaz brekker#kazolai#kaz x nikolai#my fanfic#fluff#flirting
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26 Ways to Feel Mortal - E: Efficacious
26 Chapters based around experiences that newly arrived Geno experiences while trying to find the Star Pieces.
Fandom: Super Mario & Releated Fandoms, Super Mario RPG
Rating: Teen and UP Audiences
Relationship: Mario/Geno (Nintendo), Mario/Princess Peach (Nintendo) Additional
Tags: Rating for Teen needed for later chapters, but shouldn't be to worrisome, I'll have warnings if I'm worried, Poly relations!, Main characters will always be named, Minor characters will arrive as needed, the chapters are not in a specific order, just meets the needs of the given word, please be aware of spoilers.
Efficacious: (adjective) Successful in producing a desired or intended result.
Geno had been very confused why Mario would allow Bowser to join them. They were enemies, right? How could the human willingly allow such a bully to follow them around?
The Koopa was loud, rude, in your face. More of an annoyance than anything else.
There was a fleeting hope that, when Peach joined them, she would push the Koopa out. But she took it all in a very diplomatic stride. Knowing Bowser wouldn’t try anything since he needs their help to get his fortress back. So would engage when needed and keep her distance when he felt too ‘comfortable’ around the princess.
Mallow, rightfully so, was fearful of the large Koopa at the start. After all, Bowser was intimidating. Large, growling voice, with an intense aura of ‘keep away from me’ radiating off of him. The young cloud doing his best to keep his distance the moment Bowser joined them.
This shockingly changed the further they traveled together. Geno was surprised when Bowser took on a bit of a fatherly role around the cloud child. The Koopa did his best to distract Mallow when conversations became a bit too heavy. Or keeping an extremely close eye on the youngest party member when they were in a fight.
Even then, Geno didn’t trust Bowser.
Something that the Koopa picked up on right away. Apparently loving that Geno was a new verbal punching bag. As Mario could roll every comment sent his way by the Koopa like there was nothing said. While Geno was someone who snapped back. No matter how many times he was told to just ignore Bowser.
“Hey, Kindling! Think you could actually aim for once?”
“Move it Twinkle Toes, you’re in my way.”
“You can’t be that naive DriftWood.”
The more Geno attempted to argue back, the more Bowser would just laugh in his face.
“Are you absolutely sure he has to remain with us?” Geno muttered weakly so only Mario could hear him.
Mario gave a sympathetic smile before putting a hand on the puppet’s shoulder. “Try not to let him get to you. Honestly, this is his way of…keeping the peace.”
“By upsetting me?”
“By treating you like he treats everyone else. It’s…hard to explain. But there are beings here that use teasing as a way to show they care.”
“That…makes no sense.”
Mario couldn’t hold back the laugh seeing Geno’s screwed up face of confusion, “Look, look, if you poked him back and not yell at him, you’d see Bowser’s not too bad.”
“...The guy who constantly puts the Mushroom Kingdom in danger…is not too bad.”
“We earthbound are complicated creatures. Besides, Bowser is a power house and we need that right now. If anyone’s going to end a fight, it’s gonna be him.”
Geno huffed and crossed his arms, plopping himself down next to Mario. Feeling slightly better when the human wrapped an arm around him.
“Just stick near me, okay? You’ll be fine.”
______________________
This was turning into a serious beat down, and not in the hero's favor.
Geno felt his entire body shaking as he attempted to stay up. He’d lost sight of the rest of his team almost as soon as the battle started. The puppet left to deal with a speedster of a minion. The annoying creature able to zip around faster than what Geno could respond to. Who was covered in a number of landed attacks while he frantically tried to just see the thing attacking him. The surrounding area marked with Geno’s misfires.
That high pitched giggle was driving Geno insane. Hand gun swiveling around as he tried to fight his combatant.
“Too slow!” the giggle sounded again, “Too slow!”
“Come out and fight me!” Geno called out.
“No, no, no, that’s not how this works. You have to find me if you want to fight me!”
A shuffling in the bush caused Geno to turn.
He collapsed onto one knee as a blow was delivered to the back of his leg.
“Tisk, tisk! Have you not learned the pattern yet? I thought you heroes were supposed to be tough! Such a weak little thing. Is the Star having a hard time?”
Geno got back up, stumbling when he put weight on the leg that held the newest wound.
“Feeling a little out of your element? Fighting is far different than granting silly little wishes. You’re not very useful here, are you?”
“Would you shut up and fight me!” Geno called out.
“Temper, temper! If you’re going to be a poor sport about this, I guess our game’s going to have to end.”
Geno tensed as he braced himself for the next attack to land. Only to jump as the ground shook, something heavy being slammed behind him.
He turned quickly to find Bowser behind him. With, who was probably the person who attacked Geno, a strange creature being crushed by his claws. Geno flinched slightly when Bowser’s red eyes darted up to him.
“You look terrible, Termite Bait.” Bowser gruffed out.
“Uh… Thank you?” Geno voiced weakly.
They both looked in the distance when a deep rumble was heard. Geno tensing further when the Koopa let out a low growl.
“Bowser-”
“Get back to the others.”
“I- What?” Geno took a few steps back as the rumble drew closer.
“I kind of broke away from my own fight to save your backside,” Bowser said, “you need to run before you’re caught up in this. You’re in no shape to keep fighting.”
“But-”
“I said get!”
Geno turned and ran the moment Bowser bared his teeth. The puppet’s nerves rose as he heard the Koopa’s roar once more. It was as he realized that he had no idea where he was going that Geno popped out into a new clearing. Mario called out the other’s name, clearly happy and relieved to be back together.
“Are you okay?” Mario asked, “You’re hurt, let’s get you some Mushrooms”
“Wait, wait, Bowser! He’s back there, fighting on his own!”
The human gave a sharp nod before running off to where Geno pointed towards. Only to scramble to a halt when said Koopa came stomping out of the foliage. Scrapped up, but appearing fine.
“Bowser-” Mario fell quiet when given a hard stare. The human taking a step back. Allowing Bowser to stalk closer to Geno.
Who did his best to stand his ground as Bowser knelt closer.
“I don’t work with wimps.” Bowser growled out.
Geno puffed up at that. “I’m not.”
“Then don’t let stupid words fluster you so much that you forget how to fight.”
Geno wasn’t allowed to argue further as Bowser walked past him. Muttering something about needing to find Peach and Mallow.
A little stunned by what happened, Geno turned to Mario.
“Bowser…confuses me.”
“But he gets the job done. Come on, we’d better not lose him.”
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20 Questions
thank you @appropriatelystupid for tagging me! i just finished my french exam this morning so doing this is an awesome way to spend my afternoon🥳
How many works do you have on AO3?
i was not aware that i had seven written and posted?? that's wild :0
2. What's you total AO3 count?
31,822 words?? also a massive surprise since i don't write or post nearly as often as i'd like...but hey, i'll take the win!
3. What fandoms do you write for?
okay, so obviously supercorp lives rent free in my head, but i'm also deeply entrenched in the cissamione and bellamione fandoms. i've got a fuck ton of wips for them, but i haven't put much out yet. however, recently, rojarias (reignjas) has been taking up ALL my brain space—i'm dying to write a lawyer au.
4. What are your top 5 fics by kudos?
erm. well, since i only have seven, i'll give you the top two? 1st: i'm home when i'm with you...2nd: this color looks better on you than me
5. Do you respond to comments? Why or why not?
i used to be really into and really good about responding to comments because i really appreciate every single one (and i still do) but it took a lot out of me and made me a little anxious, so i don't do it anymore. that being said, i still love and cherish every single comment that's ever been left!
6. What's the fic you wrote with the angstiest ending?
i'm really not the biggest fan of angsty endings, so i don't write them very much. i'd much prefer piling on the angst throughout and giving them a happy ending. there's too much sadness and grief in the world already, i feel like everyone should get a happy ending.
7. What's the fic you wrote with the happiest ending?
oo, okay, i'm not sure about happiest since they feel pretty even, but if i really had to pick maybe oh how love stings?
8. Do you get hate on fics?
i don't currently, which i think is in part because of how lovely most people in the fandoms i'm in now are, but years ago i wrote a dramione fic and people had a lot (which wasn't necessarily hate, but it was still unnecessary) to say about that.
9. Do you write smut? If so what kind?
i've tried on occasion, but let's just say i'm still working out the kinks (pun intended)
10. Do you write crossovers? What's the craziest one you've written?
i don't and i don't think i will anytime in the near future because i feel like a lot of planning will have to go into that and i don't have the brain space right now. but secondly, i don't feel an immediate urge to merge any two worlds currently.
11. Have you ever had a fic stolen?
luckily, no, not that i'm aware of—hopefully it stays that way!
12. have you ever had a fic translated?
i've had someone ask in my comments before, but as mentioned above i don't really answer comments and i'm still not sure if i'm entirely comfortable with translations even if it allows a larger audience access to the fic.
13. have you ever cowritten a fic before?
i was working on one with @glitterslytherin a few years back, but we never quite got much of it finished haha
14. What's your all-time favourite ship?
it's gotta be supercorp, but currently, rojarias and cissamione have me in a chokehold (i suppose i'm on my supercorp detox atm? maybe i'll be able to churn out fics after this little break)
15. What's a WIP you want to finish, but doubt you ever will?
i think this applies to all my WIPs to be honest. obviously i want to finish them all, but motivation is a bitch and she tends to come and go as she pleases XD
16. What are your writing strengths?
i'd like to think i do a pretty good job with dialogue. i used to be better at descriptions, but i think the balance has tilted the last couple of years.
17. What are your writing weaknesses?
being able to just write and not edit on the way (another reason i rarely finish things) also planning is very much not my forte💀
18. Thoughts on writing dialogue in another language for a fic?
while i am bilingual and almost trilingual, i do tend to stick with english since i feel like it's jarring to have a bit of a different language suddenly pop up and then the reader has to read the translation. and two, i'm not even grammatically accurate in english all the time, so forget about another language!
19. First fandom you wrote for?
oh, this is so mortifying...i believe it was percy jackson, but following closely behind was harry potter.
20. Favorite fic you've ever written?
i don't think i love any of the fics i have out at the moment—like, don't get me wrong, i'm super proud of them—but there's not one finished one that parades in my head all the time. the rojarias lawyer au and a supercorp orchestra au are constantly being thought about though?
tagging a couple of mutuals if ya'll wanna take part!
@theredcapeofk @yanana94 @belladonnainbloom @coffeeshib @naralanis @an-organism
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Let me introduce myself~
Hello and welcome! My name is Puck. But as the saying goes, 'if you speak of the devil, he will come', so if you'd rather not summon me by accident, call me Robin Goodfellow.
I've been around a long time; enough to have been labeled as a fairy (most commonly and the term I tend to stick to), sprite, jester, hobgoblin, satyr, fallen angel, demon, devil, and any number of other things since I'm pretty well-known in human folklore.
Most of you who know me from more recent times may remember my role in William Shakespeare's play, A Midsummer Night's Dream. Those of you familiar with even more recent pop culture may recognize me from a number of other places such as shows (like Disney's Gargoyles) or books (like The Sisters Grimm).
Or maybe you've never even heard of me at all. That's perfectly fine! I'm just pleased that you're visiting. It gets pretty lonely for a bored immortal like myself in constant search of entertainment and interesting company.
For that reason, I will interact with pretty much any and all canons, AUs, OCs, and multiverses. So feel free to ask and I will do my best to answer! Or, of course, simply feel free to speak your mind. Maybe even make a wish or two~
As a warning, I do tend to enjoy causing a little mischief when I'm especially bored. This can involve shapeshifting into others to impersonate them and the use of magic spells that may or may not end up working as intended. It's generally just all in good fun and harmless, though, and I'm usually willing to clean up whatever messes I make, so don't fret.
Well...so long as you don't somehow manage to get on my bad side. A fairy's spite is not something to be taken lightly, but I've got a sunny disposition and a decent sense of humor, so actually angering me takes some effort. I'm pretty easygoing and friendly in general, so don't be afraid to reach out. I'm sure we'll get along fine!
((OOC: I am very rarely out of character on this account, but just as an FYI, this writer/roleplayer is 21+. For the most part, I imagine the majority of my posts and interactions will be safe for general audiences. If more mature topics end up being discussed in posts, I will do my best to tag them accordingly, but I'm still trying to figure out a system for tags, so please bear with me.
I'll probably update this post as I think of more things to add later. Thanks for stopping by!))
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My WOT Prime thoughts, let me show you them
So after that beautiful heart-wrenching reunion in the most recent episode of Wheel of Time, I have Some Thoughts about Mat and Rand. Mat in particular, and how I think several of the choices made in the writing of the show - not just for Mat, but for other characters and the plot as well - have made him much more enjoyable for me as an audience member.
Obviously spoiler warning for both show and book.
I'll preface this by saying that I'm not the biggest fan of book Mat. I'll be doing my best to stick with objective facts relating to the book version, but if something slips in, I apologise – I know he's a very popular character, and I genuinely do not want it to seem like I'm dissing the book version in an attempt to make the show version seem better. Everyone has their preferences. These are only my thoughts and opinions.
Also, this got way longer than intended, so most of it went under a cut.
So, to begin with, Moiraine informs the group from the start that one of them is the Dragon Reborn. I know some people criticised this choice, but the purpose of this post isn't to debate whether or not it was in-character for her. Instead, it's to look at the impact this information had on Mat. We'll come back to this point later. For now, let's talk a bit about the man himself.
Mat in the books is the one who has the most growing up to do; early on in the series, he is called out more than once for his childish behaviour. Mat in the show, arguably, was forced to grow up too quickly as a result of his parents' neglect and abuse, and by the time of the first episode has a bad reputation of an entirely different kind. He's seen as unreliable, he's a gambler, and perhaps worst of all, he's a thief. Yet at the same time he is completely devoted to his younger sisters, in a way neither of his parents seem to be – tying back into that idea of him having grown up too fast. It's almost like in choosing to age up the four Dragon Reborn potentials, the writers created an inverse of his circumstances from the books in order to justify his characterisation.
This is not a criticism. I think it's actually a clever mirroring of his character.
In the first book, I feel that Mat, as a result of him not having his own POV, really only has one major… let's call it a "snare in the Pattern"… and that's his decision to take the ruby-hilted dagger from Shadar Logoth. Apart from that, he is arguably being carried along by the Pattern weaving around Rand in the first book.
In the first season of the show, however, real world circumstances forced the writers to create a second snare: Mat abandoning the group.
(Technically this led to a third snare as well, but we'll get to that later.)
Of all the Emond's Field, this version of Mat is arguably the only one for whom such a plot point could have worked (at least at that point). He's already been established as prone to selfishness and being unreliable, and he's spent over a month being mentally and emotionally scoured by an artefact of unfathomable evil. Even with the connection to the dagger severed by Moiraine, I feel that it makes sense for this version of Mat to pull away from the people he loves. And here we get to a really nice parallel with Rand.
By the end of season one, both Mat and Rand have been confronted by the reality of losing control of themselves and hurting the people they love. And they both make the same decision in response: get as far away from their loved ones as they could. While there may have been some selfishness in Mat's decision to leave, I choose to believe that it had more to do with fear of what he might – or might not – do. Better to cut ties before they find themselves in circumstances where someone is relying on him for something and he fails to come through for them.
Which brings us to the third snare in the Pattern: Moiraine, for fear of what the damage Mat could do if he is the Dragon Reborn, sends word to the Red Ajah to find him. Of course, we know that Mat cannot channel, but Moiraine doesn't. So as a result, Mat ends up Liandrin's prisoner. And boy does she do a number on him in that time.
Mat is still Mat, but we see in the first episode of season two how Liandrin is trying to break him down emotionally. I'm not 100% clear on how long he's been her prisoner, but I believe Alannah says that Egwene and Nynaeve have been at the Tower for five months, so probably a bit longer than that – let's say six months. Six months of being made to feel like nobody cares if he lives or dies. Six of being made to feel worthless. Some of it Mat has probably told himself at some point in his life, but that's still six months of concentrated emotional manipulation and abuse.
And then he makes a friend in Min. Min not only provides him the first decent human company he's had in quite some time, but she also is probably one of the best people to bring out the best parts of Mat's character. One might even go so far as to call that another snare in the Pattern. Ishamael might think he's the mastermind, but even he is subject to the will of the Pattern, and Mat is still a ta'veren in his own right.
By the time Min and Mat make it to Cairhien, Mat is almost back to his old self. I say almost, because we see how badly shaken he is when Min says that he'll kill Rand if he goes with him. I personally think the old Mat would have dismissed that kind of thing out of hand if he heard it; no way he would ever hurt one of his dearest friends. But this Mat has been turned into a vessel of paranoia by an evil dagger and used as an emotional chew toy by Liandrin. He doesn't trust himself anymore.
But you know who he does trust? Rand. When they reunited in Cairhien, even if only briefly, that love and trust was there as though they had never parted. Rand accepted Mat even though he abandoned them. Mat accepted Rand even though he's the Dragon Reborn, and a man who can channel.
At this time in the books, Mat was afraid of Rand, and trying to stay as far away from him as possible. But on the show, Mat has known from the start that either he, Rand, or Perrin are the Dragon Reborn, so it's an idea he's had plenty of time to get used to. And because they've been apart for so long, because Liandrin made him believe that none of his friends cared about him, and because Rand reached out for him with open arms and was just so glad to see him, Mat is able to put aside any worries about the One Power, and just be happy to be reunited with his friend.
And that is why I love show Mat. Thank you for coming to my TED Talk.
PS: Somebody please get this boy some clean clothes.
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I definitely do not want this to be a bait question, so please feel free to ignore it! I was curious about your take on Supergirl Woman of Tomorrow. Generally in the broad DC fandom, the opinion on Tom King's work is not great imo. But most ppl seem to love Supergirl. Based on the summary itself I feel like I wouldn't like it because it seems like hurt without comfort, but I haven't actually read it, so /shrugs. Anyway wanted to hear your thoughts on it bc I do appreciate your comics posts!
I LOATHED IT. You're 100% right, it's all hurt no comfort. It's yet another example of Tom King getting an insanely talented artist (the brilliant Bilquis Evely) who makes his unimaginative, repetitive writing look profound. I could rant for ages but I'll try to boil it down to key points:
It is literally a ripoff of True Grit. Like he just wholesale stole the plot.
IT'S NOT ACTUALLY ABOUT SUPERGIRL. The main character is an alien teenage girl named Ruthye whose father is murdered, so she hires Supergirl to help her track down her father's killer. It's Ruthye's story, told entirely via Ruthye's narrative, and Ruthye is the character who grows and changes. Supergirl could be replaced by Lobo, or Krypto, or a big stick.
As usual, Tom King doesn't even make the faintest attempt to stay in character. His Supergirl is a surly, miserable drunk who has to be begged to help people.
He also very clearly read exactly one Supergirl comic - her origin story from 1959 - and nothing else. It's the only previous Supergirl canon referenced. There's a whole issue where he retells it in painstaking detail, except he takes a silly Silver Age story and puts it through the Unnecessarily Bleak filter. He explains his miserable take on Kara by wallowing in the trauma of Argo City's destruction. At one point, 15-year-old Kara finds a dead baby. I want to be clear that this backstory is at least FOUR RETCONS OUT OF DATE, but he decided to go back to it because he apparently refused to read more than 8 pages about Supergirl as research, and then he put a dead baby in it.
Supergirl was created to appeal to little girls. This is not my opinion, this is absolute fact: she was designed to get little girls to read more Superman comics. To this day, she remains one of the very very very few characters who is well known enough that little girls can relate to and identify with her, thanks to the CW show (which had its faults but got her character very right) and DC Super Hero Girls. Woman of Tomorrow treats Supergirl, her history, and her intended audience with complete contempt, and making a movie of it that little girls can't see because this shit is going to be rated PG-13 if not R is peak "I am feel uncomfortable when we are not about me?" behavior from a grown-ass man. SUPERGIRL DOESN'T HAVE TO APPEAL TO EDGELORDS. SHE WASN'T MADE FOR THEM.
Anyway yes I hate it very very much, and it doesn't surprise me that people who have never liked or read Supergirl think it's great, because it isn't Supergirl.
For a better take on Supergirl who yes, has experience trauma but is still in character, I recommend the current World's Finest series by Mark Waid and Dan Mora. For an AU with an angsty Kara who is still true to the core of herself, Supergirl: Being Super by Mariko Tamaki and Joelle Jones. The upcoming Legion of Super-Heroes movie also looks excellent in this regard.
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Kinktober Masterlist
Well that was fun! I had a lot of fun doing kinktober in a low pressure way and not sticking to any list! I hope you've enjoyed my fic's and if you haven't had a chance to see them yet they're all linked before! I sadly only got to 4 of the requests I got but that's okay! I'll be adding to this list as I write the other requests still in my inbox.
All fic's are explicit and intended for an adult audience. Please read all warnings as you are responsible for your own media consumption.
Take my breath Away (choking/breathe play)
Desperate for me
power of your touch (hand/finger kink)
cherries and peaches (phone sex)
#t's masterlist#chaotictarloskinktober#tarlos#carlos reyes#tk strand#911 lone star#911 lonestar#rafael silva#ronen rubinstein#tk strand x carlos reyes#carlos x tk#tk x carlos
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Finally done with sab, and what a roller coaster that was.It wasn't a complete dumpster fire, there were some things I genuinely liked, but its still worth some criticism.So here we go
Lets start with what we are all here for: the crows
I wouldn't call the writing good, at least regarding them.First season was all fun and games bc it was clearly an AU high budget fic of "what if the crows had had their paths entwined with Alina's". My honest to god opinion? It still would've been better to either improve the sab trilogy plot and stick to that, and leave the crows be, or just skip the whole affair and focus on the crows (I'd vote for that one).That's what their public wants to watch, and the rest of the audience wouldn't even know.
Regardless of that questionable decision, it wasn't bad, but actually very enjoyable.At least until it started to fuck with the crow's story,or more especifically, crooked kingdom.I sincerely don't know how they intend to make a good six of crows spin off key word being good, when they used so many elements of Ck poorly, without it being repetitive.I actually flinched with what I assume was meant to be their version of the bathroom scene, and for sure hope it gets a redo next season.The "I will have you without your armor" scene was literal chills tho.Congrats to Freddy and amita
On that note, the actors are great, all of them. They all have the right energy and have clearly put in the work to understand their characters,I commend them for that, especially Freddy Carter.That man delivered.Although there are some things that bothered me, and I chalk it up to bad writing, he put one hell of a performance, it was phenomenal.I had to actually press pause for a second after watching him looking at inej as if she were his whole world, and then saying he wanted to die buried under the weight of his gold, I was laughing too hard.That's the embodiment of Kaz brekker
He's so good that I don't even mind that he doesnt look like book Kaz all that much, and that's something that usually bothers me
On the things I didn't like, this season could be called the death of nina zenik.Nina is one of my favourite characters ever and yet she was reduced to a matthias fan girl in the most outrageous case of instalove/character butchering that I've seen in a good while.They missed the Mark so bad on that one.
Her friendships with Jesper and, most importantly, inej, were completely erased, and so were the principles that make Nina who she is.My jaw dropped at her pratically saying Ravka could go fuck itself.The dynamic with Kaz was good, very book esque, but he seemed the most attached to her and that's odd and ooc, hence what I meant with bad writing.
My greatest wtf moment was the shadow monster getting to her, and that having zero consequences.Nikolai was "infected", genya scarred, David DIED, but nina was left unscathed? Just knocked out behind a rock? It was such a cheap way for her not to be there to help Mal, they could've handled it better or just not have her in the scene at all
The internet is either loving this version of wesper, or raging over it.I, however, dont have much of an opinion regarding them, or at least an extreme one.It was a sweet albeit rushed take on their romance. Yes, it had nothing of the beautiful, heart-wrenching slowburn Leigh built, but it is good in itself, and worked well with this story they were telling, which had nothing to with soc to begin with
This is getting too long, so to wrap it up
Malina tire me beyond words with their drama and non existent chemistry.Apparently that's a constant in all forms of media, which is a feature in itself, I'll give them that.
Its such a soggy romance.The idea of them being the main couple we're supposed to root for is laughable Does anyone ship them besides leigh? That's precisely why I was OVERJOYED with the show making such a drastic change and them not ending up together
While I remember very little of the books, I do remember barely being able to stand Alina.But the thing is, I actually like show Alina as an individual. Not mal tho, if I had it my way he would've died in the fold The only times she annoyed me he was involved.Whether bc she was making stupid decisions in an sttempt to save him, or their dragged on relationship drama, he's always the root of my dislike.She wants to be proactive, mend her country, embrace her role, and all this pain in the ass of a dude has done, besides the sacrifice, is hold her back
I shit you not, her three scenes with nikolai had 110% more chemistry than two seasons and a sex scene with mal.I think this brother they made up for inej will be Zoya's love interest and nikolai and Alina will be end game in this "time line".And you know what? I dig it. Nothing against book zoyalai, they slay, but based on what was presented in the show, this works and has a lot of potential for being good
I could say a few more things, but lets leave it at that for now.I definitely will watch the next season if they make one, I'm curious to see how this is gonna play out
#shadow and bone season 2#shadow and bone netflix#shadow and bone spoilers#kaz brekker#inej ghafa#jesper fahey#wylan van eck#nina zenik#matthias helvar#alina starvok#nikolai lantsov#genya safin#zoya nazyalensky#mal oretsev#soc#crooked kingdom
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